HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, March 31: Six-day trekking programme on the Freedom Trail, retracing the route taken by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, in 1959, got underway recently from Kenzamani.
The event is being organided by the District Administration, Tawang, under the initiative of deputy commissioner Kanki Darang, with support from MLA Lungla Tsering Lhamu and Chairman DoKAA Jambey Wangdi. The programme is being coordinated by Addl. DC Lungla Tashi Dhondup and EAC Jemeithang Deewan Mara.
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The trekking event will conclude at Pungteng, Tawang, on April 5, commemorating the day when His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Tawang in 1959.
The inaugural ceremony at Kenzamani began with long-life prayers for His Holiness, followed by cultural performances by monks and villagers. Addressing the participants, MLA Lungla Tsering Lhamu emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of the journey, stating:
“As we embark on this six-day-long journey along the Freedom Trail, we draw strength from the wisdom of His Holiness 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. We remain inspired by His Holiness’s teachings and his unwavering commitment to compassion, non-violence, and the promotion of human values.”
Chairman DoKAA Jambey Wangdi extended his gratitude to all the participants and prayed for the good health and long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He urged everyone to incorporate His Holiness’s teachings into daily life.
Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang applauded the efforts of the Lungla administration and EAC Jemeithang in making the event a success. He highlighted Kenzamani’s historical significance, noting that it was here that His Holiness was received by the then administrators in 1959. Additionally, he paid tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in 1962 while defending the borders.
The event was also addressed by the Tibetan Settlement Officer from Bomdila and Addl. DC Lungla Tashi Dhondup, both of whom emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of the initiative.
At 12:03 pm, the trekking programme was officially flagged off by Chairman DoKAA Jambey Wangdi and MLA Lungla Tsering Lhamu. ITBP jawans received the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a branch of the holy tree at Chudangmo, offering a guard of honor.
Tomorrow, the participants will proceed to Gorzam Choeten as the trekking journey continues through the historic route.
The District Administration, Tawang, invites all interested individuals to join the culmination programme at Pungteng, Tawang, on April 5, marking a significant moment in commemorating the historic journey of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
300 participants joined the first day of trekking programme which included GBs,PRI members, Jawans from border gaurding forces, monks and tourists.
