Arunachal Chief Minister, Pema Khandu on Sunday announced the state’s highest civilian award, Arunachal Ratna Award to Late Major Bob Ralengnao Khathing posthumously.
The announcement comes in as Arunachal Pradesh remembers and pays tribute to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, the Tangkhul Naga Soldier-Statesman from Manipur who won India Tawang without shedding a drop of blood, at the Foundation Stone laying ceremony at Tawang.
Pema Khandu took to twitter and said, “Arunachal is elated to honour its true Hero.”
The memorial and Foundation Stone laying ceremony at Tawang on Sunday marks the official recognition of Lt. Ralennao Khathing’s contribution for hoisting the Indian flag in 1951, bringing Tawang under India officially.
Also read: Major Ralengnao (Bob) Khathing – The Remarkable Statesman Who Won Tawang Without a Drop of Blood
The award was received by R Somi John Khathing (IRS), Lt. Bob Khathing Ralengnao’s eldest son at Tawang in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, and Governor of Arunachal Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd).
The memorial to be constructed will house museum of Monpa tribe’s tradition and a cafeteria, Khandu said. Pema Khandu in February 16 had made the announcement while attending an event at Tawang to felicitate a newly elected gram panchayat and zila parishad chairpersons. He said “This memorial will be our tribute to Major Bob Khathing.”
Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju said he will request the education ministry to include the story of Major Khathing in school text books.
“Major Khathing’s life is a lesson for all of us, especially the youths. He is no normal individual but one who made history. The people of this country must know him,” Rijiju said.
Conrad Sangma took to twitter and said, “Today, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh through CM Pema Khandu BJP Ji honours his legacy by laying the foundation for the Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing Memorial Museum in Tawang.”