FREEDOM TRAIL TREKKING IN TAWANG
History, culture, and adventure all is their on the ‘Freedom Trail’ trek in Arunachal Pradesh. This six-day journey retraces the path taken by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959, bringing together locals, monks, soldiers, and tourists in a tribute to Indo-Tibetan heritage.
If one fancies a bit of fresh mountain air and a brisk constitutional with a side of history, then the ‘Freedom Trail’ trek in Arunachal Pradesh is just the ticket. The six-day escapade, retracing the historic path taken by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959, kicked off on Monday afternoon from Kenzamani in Tawang. A spirited lot of 300 participants, including Gaon Burahs, panchayat members, jawans from border guarding forces, monks, and tourists, set off with a spring in their step—though one suspects they might be hobbling by the end of it.
The event, orchestrated with meticulous care by the district administration of Tawang, has been generously backed by Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu and Jambey Wangdi, Chairman of the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA). The grand finale will take place on 5th April at Pungteng, Tawang, marking the very day the Dalai Lama reached the region in 1959—no doubt a rather more urgent journey back then.
The inaugural ceremony at Kenzamani was steeped in reverence, with prayers offered for His Holiness, followed by cultural performances that saw monks and villagers pulling out all the stops. Addressing the eager crowd, MLA Tsering Lhamu underscored the trek’s deeper meaning, describing it as a tribute to the enduring Indo-Tibetan bond. “As we embark on this six-day journey along the ‘Freedom Trail’, we draw strength from the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hope for a peaceful future,” she proclaimed, no doubt inspiring at least a few hesitant trekkers to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Meanwhile, Chairman DoKAA Jambey Wangdi extended heartfelt gratitude to the participants, urging them to embrace His Holiness’s teachings in their daily lives—a tall order perhaps, but one worth striving for. Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang took the opportunity to commend the Lumla administration, particularly ADC Tashi Dhondup and EAC Jemeithang Deewan Mara, for their stellar efforts in organising the event. He also reminded everyone of Kenzamani’s historical significance, being the very place where His Holiness was welcomed in 1959. In addition, he paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the nation in 1962—a solemn and poignant moment amid the revelry.
Tuesday will see the participants trudging onwards to Gorzam Choeten, no doubt with slightly sore legs but high spirits. Whether the journey is undertaken for spiritual enlightenment, historical reflection, or simply the thrill of the trek, it promises to be an experience that will leave an indelible mark—both in the hearts of participants and, quite possibly, in their aching muscles.
Onward they march, with history beneath their feet and a fair bit of altitude in their lungs!
What's Your Reaction?
