In Zemithang circle, at Khinzemane, #ArunachalPradesh, #TawangDistrict, along the bank of the Nyamjang Chu river, which originates in Tibet, lies the “Freedom Trail” and the “Holy Tree”, on the India-Tibet border LAC – McMahon Line.

A MUST VISIT SPOT FOR EVERY PATRIOTIC INDIAN! The sheer natural beauty and radiance of the spot, so full of contemporary and civilisational history, is overwhelming.

It is the exact entry point where HH Dalai Lama set foot on Indian soil on 31st March 1959, after a long, hazardous and arduous trek. He and his entourage were received by T.S Murti, then Asst Political Officer of Tawang and others.

It is said that in the very spot where His Holiness rested and planted his staff, a tree took roots, revered today as the “Holy Tree.”

Was happy to receive a book “Crossing of the Frontier: the Exile Route of HH the 14th Dalai Lama”, by the Losel Nyinje Charitable Society, at the foot of the historic tree.

“His Holiness writes ‘We must have been a very sorry sight when we were welcomed by the Indian border guards. There were eighty of us, all physically exhausted by the journey and morally overwhelmed by the ordeal.”

In October 1962, this spot saw the fierce “Battle of Namka Chu” with Indian soldiers putting up a brave fight against the sudden attack by the Chinese.

The “Freedom Trail” and the entire spot is being creatively developed by the #IndianArmy – under its #Sadbhavana outreach, depicting cultural, civilisational and military history. A meditation centre is coming, a cafe with delectable savouries near a water-fall, is already functioning, a souvenir shop has come up and the walk to the “Holy Tree”, is exhilarating, educative and thought-provoking.

It was heartening to see bikers and tourists visiting the spot from across India. It is another crucial project of the #ModiGovernment in retracing and reclaiming a vital part of our civilisational past.

SOURCE

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