Arunachal: Tawang to host 'Freedom Trail' trek retracing Dalai Lama’s 1959 escape

The Tawang District Administration has announced a six-day trekking event titled the ‘Freedom Trail’, commemorating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s historic escape from Tibet in 1959. The event, set to commence on March 31, will retrace the exact path taken by the Tibetan spiritual leader as he entered India as a refugee 66 years ago.

Speaking to India Today, Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu stated that the foot march will begin from Khen-Dze-Mane, the Indo-China border point where the Dalai Lama first entered India on March 31, 1959. The journey will cover significant locations such as Chuudangmo, Gorzam Chorten, Shakti, Lungla, and Thongleng, before concluding in Tawang on April 5. Each stop on the trail will serve as a historical reflection, mirroring the Dalai Lama’s own journey and struggles during his escape.

March 31, 2024, marks 66 years since the Dalai Lama and his 80-member entourage crossed into the Mon region of India, following their escape from Norbulingka Palace in Tibet. At just 24 years old, the Dalai Lama endured an exhausting trek, travelling day and night, before reaching safety in India via the Ke-Dze-Mani mountain pass. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by T.S. Murti, the Assistant Political Officer of Tawang, along with personnel from 5 Assam Rifles and local Jemeithang residents.

The organisers highlight that this trekking event is not only a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s journey but also an opportunity to spread his message of peace, non-violence, and compassion. Participants will have the chance to engage in spiritual reflection while gaining a deeper understanding of the Tibetan people's resilience and struggles.

Reflecting on his escape in a past interview, the Dalai Lama shared, "I get emotional because in 1959, when I escaped from Tibet, I came from this route. I was physically very weak. Mentally, there was a lot of anxiety, hopelessness, and helplessness. It was difficult. The local people here and also officials extended a very, very warm welcome. So I get emotional every time I visit Tawang."

The Tawang District Administration has invited the public to participate in this historically significant and spiritually enriching event. The trek aims to inspire individuals to integrate the Dalai Lama’s teachings of harmony and compassion into their daily lives, reinforcing his enduring legacy in the region.