Tawang Hosts Vipassana Programme; MLA Announces Biannual Meditation Camps

 

Tawang, March 29:

A programme on “Introduction to Vipassana Meditation – A Path to Inner Peace and Mental Well-being” was successfully conducted at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang on Sunday afternoon, drawing participation from public representatives, officials, and local residents.

The event was sponsored and organised by MLA Lungla, Tsering Lhamu, and coordinated by Sangey Sangey Phuntsok Nguimo. The session featured resource persons Diganta Kalita and Rishikesh Ji, Trustee of the Assam Vipassana Trust, Guwahati, who provided insights into the practice and benefits of Vipassana meditation.

Among the dignitaries present were ZPC Tawang Leki Gombu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchen Leta, and ZPMs Tenzin Monpa, Pema Tsering, Tsering Yangzom, and Sonam Norzin. Other attendees included Pema Ngawang, Ngawang Norbu, Jampa Tsering, along with members of the general public.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Tsering Lhamu underlined the increasing importance of mental well-being in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. She noted that despite access to material comforts, mental health is often neglected, contributing to rising cases of stress, anxiety, and depression. She also highlighted the growing negative impact of excessive social media use on mental health.

In a key announcement, the MLA stated that Tawang will host two 10-day Vipassana meditation camps annually, one during summer and another in winter, aimed at promoting inner peace, emotional balance, and overall mental wellness within the community.

The programme concluded with a positive response from participants, reflecting growing awareness and interest in meditation practices as a means to achieve mental clarity and well-being.

“Arunachal Pradesh Observes Major Bob Khathing Day, Honouring a Legacy of Peaceful Nation-Building

 

Arunachal Pradesh, February 24, 2026

February 14, widely recognised as Valentine’s Day, holds a deeper historical significance in Arunachal Pradesh and across the Northeast. The day is observed as Major Bob Khathing Day, commemorating a pivotal moment in India’s history when diplomacy, courage, and trust shaped the nation’s frontiers without bloodshed.

On February 14, 1951, Major Ralengnao “Bob” Khathing led a landmark expedition to Tawang, where the Indian Tricolour was peacefully hoisted, formally integrating the region into the Indian Union without a single shot being fired. At a time when territorial consolidation elsewhere was often marked by conflict, the mission stood out as a rare example of nation-building achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

A decorated World War II veteran who later served as a senior administrator in independent India, Major Khathing demonstrated a leadership style grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and firm resolve. His engagement with local communities in the then North-East Frontier Agency reflected a belief that lasting integration depends not only on governance but also on respect for people, identity, and tradition.

Remembering Major Bob Khathing on this day highlights a different expression of love—one rooted in service to the nation, restraint in the face of challenge, and responsibility toward future generations. In an era of increasingly polarised public discourse, his legacy continues to underscore the importance of inclusion and mutual trust in strengthening unity.

As Arunachal Pradesh marks Major Bob Khathing Day, the occasion encourages younger generations to look beyond symbolic celebrations and reconnect with the histories that shaped the region’s place within India. The observance stands as a tribute not only to an extraordinary individual, but also to the enduring ideals of peace, dignity, and national unity.

CM Pema Khandu Inaugurates New Administrative Block at Sera Jey Monastery in Tawang

Tawang, February 13, 2026: 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the new Administrative Block of Sera Jey Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery in Tawang in the presence of Venerable Geshe Lobsang Norbu la, Chief Administrator of Sera Jey Monastery, Karnataka, His Eminence Dolhe Rinpoche Tenzin Kunkhyen la, Abbot of the monastery, and other dignitaries.

The newly developed infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance administrative efficiency, improve residential facilities, and strengthen the learning environment for monks and students. The initiative marks a step forward in supporting monastic education and preserving the region’s spiritual heritage.

“CM Pema Khandu during the inauguration ceremony at Sera Jey Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery.”

On the occasion, the State Bank of India, Tawang Branch, donated a school bus to the monastery, an initiative welcomed by attendees as a meaningful contribution toward the welfare and mobility of children associated with the institution.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted that monasteries continue to serve as living centres of culture, discipline, learning, and compassion, emphasizing that supporting such institutions remains a shared responsibility of society.