Itanagar, Nov. 21 (IANS): Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) on Tuesday flagged off the second edition of the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Car Rally at Itanagar.
The Governor expressed the hope that the event will help in cementing the age-old relationship and friendship between India and Bhutan.
He also said that it provides a platform for the exposure of traditional and cultural association and tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh and the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.
Stating that Arunachal Pradesh shares 160 km of international border with Bhutan, the Governor pointed out that the rally will enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Bhutan. “It will also showcase the potential for adventure and motor sports in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.
The Governor said that India and Bhutan have had very friendly relations for a long time. Both countries have been standing shoulder to shoulder during both easy and difficult times. “People of India and Bhutan have an inalienable cooperation to maintain their sovereignty, integrity and geographical entity,” he added.
The Governor called upon the participants from both the countries to carry the message of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India and Bhutan are one and will stand as one to face any adversity. He also urged them to carry forward the goodwill message for each other’s country.
The Rally is organised by the International Friendship Car Rally Association, Dirang, West Kameng District and sponsored by the Deptartment of Tourism, Government of Arunachal and car manufacturing companies Hyndai and Nissan.
The route followed will be Itanagar-Basar-Mechuka, which will coincide with the Adventure@Mechuka festival -- Basar-Itanagar-Guwahati-Phuentsoling -- and culminate at Thimpu.
The Indian team is led by Anshu Jamsenpa, World Record Holder and 5 times Mt. Everest summiteer. The other members are Duyu Tamo, Managing Director, Duyu Tour and Travels, Juri Kalita, Taram, Tashi Tsomu, Biplab Jyoti Doley, Bitopan Kashyap, Priyanku Brush, Kimangshu Sharma and P.A Vashamo and Ravoalo Slam, from Nagaland.
The Bhutanese Team is led by Karma Lhatrul Dorji Rinpoche. The team includes Jigme Wangchuk, Kinga, Sonam Dorji, Kuenzang Wangchuk, Khandu Om, Khandu and Nim Dem.
