Page 31 - Seniorstoday March 2023
P. 31
inhabiting the village for more than 500
years with a very rich heritage of food,
culture and lifestyle. It is believed that they
migrated from Tibet and Bhutan though
there is no written record or any account
to be sure. Historically, two treaties were
signed between the East India Company
and Tawang in 1844 and 1853. However
it is the Shimla conference of 1913-14
which was the most important event in
the region’s history. In the conference, the
Million $ views
representatives of Great Britain, China and
to Dirang is much much better than Tibet sat together to resolve the Border
yonder years. The nearest airport to issue between Tibet, China and British
the West Kameng province is Tezpur India. Whilst all three representatives
– unfortunately only a regional carrier initialled the agreement, Beijing later
– Flybig operates from Guwahati and objected to the proposed boundary between
Alliance Air from Kolkata. However, the the regions of outer and inner Tibet and
best option at the moment is to drive 7 did not ratify it. The Foreign Secretary of
hours through upper Assam’s lush green the British Indian government, Sir Henry
countryside. Dirang itself is in the midst of McMahon, who had drawn up the proposal,
snow-clad Himalayan ranges, and exudes decided to bypass the Chinese and settle the
a rustic charm and spirituality. The little border bilaterally by negotiating directly
village lies hidden in the West Kameng with Tibet and thus the McMahon Line
district of Arunachal Pradesh and stands came into being. Unfortunately, the matter
as a gateway to the state’s most well- did not end there – as far as China was
known destination, Tawang. This quaint concerned.
hill town’s ever-smiling people and its
picturesque scenic beauty attracts many
visitors. It sure is a paradise for nature
lovers, photographers as well as adventure
lovers.
Highly recommended is a visit to the side
valley from Dirang – Sangti valley. For
an unforgettable experience, take a short
hike of 7 kms to the valley, famous as a Sleepy villages enroute
wintering spot for the migratory black- The Monpas are Buddhist by religion and
necked crane. Besides cranes, the charming follow the Tibetan Mahayana School of
valley is famous for kiwi, apple orchards Buddhism, with the majority following the
and lush paddy fields along the pristine Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Sect, with a small
Sangti River. However, the main charm minority following the Nyingmapa (Red
of the place is its people. The gentle and Hat) sect. It is said that before the advent
colourful natives of Monpa tribe have been of Buddhism in the region their religion
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #45 | MARCH 2023 31
