CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Under the guidance of Dr. Indresh Kumar, a senior campaigner of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and advisor of the India-Tibet Cooperation Forum, the forum has been actively working for 25 years on the issues of Tibet’s freedom, liberation of Kailash Mansarovar, protection of the Himalayas, environmental security, and other contemporary issues. Through its active programs and public awareness efforts, the forum continues to achieve new milestones, with one significant achievement being the “Tawang Pilgrimage.” Dr. Indresh initiated the Tawang Pilgrimage in 2012. This year, the pilgrimage will be held from November 19 to 25, marking the 13th Tawang Pilgrimage, which is poised to create history.
Regarding the Tawang Pilgrimage, Mr. Arpit Mudgal, the National Acting President of the Youth Wing of the India-Tibet Cooperation Forum, said that this is no ordinary journey but a special one, deeply rooted in the spirit of India. This pilgrimage embodies political, economic, social, religious, cultural, spiritual, national unity, integrity, and patriotism, making it exceptionally significant. Through this pilgrimage, people from across India get the opportunity to learn about and understand Northeast India. When honorable Indresh Ji founded this pilgrimage, his intent was for people from all over India to become familiar with Northeast India and for the people of the Northeast to stay connected with the nation’s mainstream.
In the district of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, which deceitful China claims as its own, pilgrims visit the Bumla Border and, along with the local people, offer their prayers and tributes to Mother India, symbolizing the nation’s soil. Upon reaching the Bumla Border, the pilgrims send a strong message to cunning China that we are capable of giving a befitting reply to any of their misdeeds. The people of Northeast India, who are often unable to travel across the country, feel immense joy and connection when they meet pilgrims from all corners of India, creating a sense of belonging to the entire nation.
Mr. Arpit Mudgal explained that the significance of this journey goes beyond this. In honor of the Tawang pilgrims, the people of Northeast India organize various social, religious, and cultural programs. The warmth, hospitality, simplicity, sweetness, and friendliness of the people of the Northeast immediately attract the Tawang pilgrims. The way the people of the Northeast preserve and strengthen their folk art, culture, and traditions serves as an inspiration for the entire nation to stay connected to its roots.
Mr. Mudgal further expressed that nature has showered its blessings upon Northeast India, offering breathtaking views. The Tawang pilgrims, who journey to the region filled with natural beauty, lakes, and waterfalls, also get the chance to visit several historic sites, such as the world’s only Shiva temple located on the Brahmaputra River island, the Mahadev Temple of Tezpur, the Agnigarh Temple of Lord Krishna’s grandson Aniruddha, Chitralekha Garden, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh ‘Bhalukpong’, the district headquarters of West Kameng ‘Bomdila’, Jaswantgarh in memory of soldier Jaswant Singh, the martyr memorial for the heroes of the India-China war, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama ‘Tawang Monastery’, the footprints of the Dalai Lama, and the ‘Nanak Lama’ temple built on the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated, as well as the memorial of martyr Joginder Baba.
Mr. Mudgal noted that if we analyze the Tawang Pilgrimage objectively, it can be said without any doubt that the purpose of this journey is deeply sacred. The choice of November for this pilgrimage has a special significance as it commemorates the Chinese attack on India on October 20, 1962, ignoring the slogan of “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai.” In Arunachal Pradesh, despite inadequate resources, our brave soldiers gave a fierce response to Chinese forces, forcing them to retreat. On November 14, 1962, the Indian Parliament in a joint session of both houses passed a resolution that every inch of land captured by China would be reclaimed, and until then, there would be no rest. Through this pilgrimage, the rulers of the nation are reminded that the time has come to fulfill that 1962 resolution. The government must take action, allowing the people of the country to feel proud.
Personally, I believe that every Indian should make the journey to Bumla Border in Arunachal Pradesh, famously known as the land of the rising sun, at least once. It provides an invaluable opportunity to understand the nation in its entirety.
