ITANAGAR, Oct 10: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General K.T. Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), flagged off the Itanagar leg of a motorcycle expedition commemorating the 63rd Walong Day from Raj Bhavan on Friday. The nine-day expedition, conceptualised by Headquarters 3 Corps and conducted by 10 MAHAR, aims to honour the valour and sacrifice of the heroes of the 1962 Battle of Walong.
A total of 21 riders, including 11 personnel from the Indian Army and 10 civilian riders from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, are participating in the expedition, which will cover the route from Tawang to Walong. The event symbolises a tribute to the indomitable courage and resilience displayed by Indian soldiers during the battle, while also promoting camaraderie between the armed forces and civilians.
Interacting with the participants before the flag-off, the Governor commended 3 Corps, 10 MAHAR, and all riders for their commitment to preserving the historic legacy of Walong. He said that the journey represents both an adventurous endeavour and a solemn homage to the defenders of the nation who stood firm in the face of adversity.
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Recalling the Battle of Walong, Lt. Gen. Parnaik highlighted the invaluable support extended by the local population during the 1962 conflict, noting that the people of Arunachal Pradesh have always exemplified patriotism and nationalism, even in the remotest corners of the State.
Emphasising the significance of joint initiatives, the Governor said that Army-led adventure expeditions involving civilians foster mutual respect, cooperation, and national integration. He encouraged more such collaborative events that combine the spirit of adventure with social outreach and community engagement.
Addressing the riders, the Governor urged them to use the expedition as a platform to connect with local youth along their route and inspire them to consider careers in the Armed Forces. He also encouraged them to instil pride among citizens in the State’s developmental achievements and tourism potential, promoting Arunachal Pradesh as a destination of natural beauty and national significance.
Lt. Gen. Parnaik further appealed to the riders to spread awareness on social issues, including drug abuse prevention, public health concerns like tuberculosis, cleanliness, and education. He said such initiatives would add deeper meaning to the expedition and reflect the collective responsibility of citizens toward nation-building.
Earlier, 10 MAHAR Commanding Officer, Col. R. Ganesh, and Expedition Nodal Officer, Major Priyhersh, briefed the Governor on the details of the expedition, route, and planned outreach activities.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by 117 Mountain Brigade Commander, Brigadier K. Jayashankar, and Chief Engineer, BRO, Brigadier H. Bhattacharya, among others.
The expedition will traverse through challenging terrains and border regions, retracing the footsteps of the heroes of 1962 while spreading messages of unity, resilience, and patriotism among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
