By Saiesha Gupta
Arunachal Pradesh—the land of the rising sun—has always called to me with its mysterious charm. Growing up as the daughter of an Officer at Indian Army, my childhood was filled with tales of this distant, remote frontiers of India. Stories of its unspoiled beauty, its rugged terrains, and the indomitable spirit of the people who call it home fired my imagination. So, when the chance came to visit my father stationed there, it had to be a yes! This trip wasn’t just a family reunion; it was a journey to discover a place that had long lived in my dreams.
The Journey Begins
The journey, however, was not one for the faint-hearted. After a three-hour flight from Delhi to Dibrugarh, we embarked on a gruelling two-day road trip through the undulating roads of Arunachal Pradesh. As we drove deeper into Arunachal, the world around us transformed. The bustling plains slowly gave way to a paradise of lush green forests, glistening rivers, and the imposing Himalayas standing watch over the land. Each twist and turn revealed a new facet of the region’s untamed beauty.
We eventually arrived at the place where my father was posted, nestled in a forward sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). I will never forget the moment I first saw the snow-capped Himalayas up close, their towering peaks kissing the skies. The silence in the valley was profound, broken only by the occasional whisper of the winds. There, in the quiet of the mountains, the air tasted different—cleaner, crisper—and the world seemed to stand still.
One of the most enriching parts of my journey was the time spent with the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Each tribe—whether it was the Nyishi, Apatani, or Adi—offered a window into a world that felt far removed from modern India. Their traditions, woven deeply into their daily lives, were mesmerising. I remember watching women work intricate patterns into their weaving, their hands moving with a rhythm born from generations of practice. I watched dances that told stories as old as the mountains, and witnessed the vibrant festivals that filled the air with colour and joy.
The Siang and Siyom valleys were like nothing I had ever seen before. Majestic waterfalls cascaded from hidden heights, and the rivers below sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. On a trek through the valley, I felt as though I was walking through a dream. Clouds rolled down the mountain sides, seemingly close enough to touch, and the scent of pine trees mingled with the cool mountain breeze. Each step further into this untouched wilderness felt like peeling back layers of time, revealing the ancient heart of this land.
The Struggles of the Soldiers
Of course, it’s impossible to speak of Arunachal Pradesh without acknowledging the immense role played by the Indian Army in protecting this delicate frontier. The soldiers stationed at the LAC face not just the perils of isolation, but also the unrelenting challenges of nature itself. The biting cold, the treacherous terrain, and the ever-present threat of incursions from the other side of the border requires extraordinary strength and resolve.
Spending time with these soldiers, seeing their discipline and commitment firsthand, filled me with a deep respect and an overwhelming sense of pride.
Standing on the LAC, gazing out across the vast expanse of the Himalayas, I felt something shift inside me. It wasn’t just about the breathtaking landscape or the rich cultural experiences; it was the realisation of the sacrifices made every day by these soldiers to keep our borders safe. It was humbling. At that moment, with the cold wind tugging at my jacket and the towering mountains all around, I felt a surge of patriotism and gratitude that I hadn’t expected.
Addressing the Chinese Claims
Despite their relentless efforts to protect the region, Arunachal Pradesh still faces external challenges, particularly from China, which is attempting to spin false narratives that are a blatant violation of India’s territorial integrity. The Indian government, supported by the international community, has consistently reaffirmed its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, emphasising its integral status within India. As I reflected on my journey, I recognised the importance of Arunachal Pradesh as a symbol of resilience, identity within its people and community. The deep-rooted connection of the tribes to their land and their understanding of its geography have given them strength in the face of external threats, a connection the soldiers now protect with the same unwavering commitment.
A Bittersweet Departure
My journey to Arunachal Pradesh was more than just a visit—it was an awakening. The state’s natural beauty, its vibrant cultural mosaic, and the indomitable spirit of its people left an indelible mark on my soul. I returned home not just with memories of time spent with my father, but with a profound sense of pride in my heritage and in the extraordinary individuals who protect it. As the daughter of an army officer, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our soldiers, and forever enchanted by the land that, for a brief time, felt like home.
(The author is a 12th Std student in New Delhi, whose interests lie in travel, writing, debating, and creating short stories and films)