OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: A six-day trekking expedition retracing the historic route taken by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso) in 1959 commenced on Monday afternoon from Kenzamani, in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district. Organized by the district administration under the initiative of deputy commissioner Kanki Darang, the event is supported by Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu and Chairman of the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA), Jambey Wangdi.
The trek is being coordinated by Lungla additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Tashi Dhondup and Jemithang extra assistant commissioner (EAC) Deewan Mara. The journey will conclude at Pungteng in Tawang on April 5, marking the day the Dalai Lama arrived in the region in 1959, an official communiqué confirmed.
The inaugural ceremony at Kenzamani featured long-life prayers for the Dalai Lama, followed by cultural performances by monks and villagers. Addressing the participants, MLA Lhamu highlighted the deep spiritual and historical significance of the trek.
"As we embark on this six-day-long journey along the Freedom Trail, we draw strength from the wisdom of the Dalai Lama and hope for a peaceful future. Our relationship with Tibet is centuries old, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual understanding. The bond between our people goes beyond borders," she stated.
The lawmaker also underscored the Dalai Lama's teachings of compassion, non-violence, and human values as a source of enduring inspiration.
DoKAA Chairman Wangdi expressed gratitude to the participants and prayed for the Dalai Lama's long life, urging everyone to integrate his teachings into their daily lives. Deputy Commissioner Darang spoke about Kenzamani's historical importance, noting that it was here that the Dalai Lama was first received by local administrators in 1959. He also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in 1962 while defending the borders.
The event also featured a speech by the Tibetan Settlement Officer from Bomdila in West Kameng district, who emphasised the spiritual and cultural importance of the initiative. The trekking programme was officially flagged off by DoKAA Chairman Wangdi and MLA Lhamu. ITBP jawans received a portrait of the Dalai Lama and a branch of the holy tree at Chudangmo, offering a ceremonial guard of honour.
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