invites Major Bob Khathing’s family to State

ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra, who was on a visit to Asia’s ‘cleanest village’ in Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong today got awestruck by the 100% literacy rate of the villagers and highly progressive role of the village women to showcase their village as a ‘role model’ of Swachhta has advocated the GoAP to follow suit so as to make a survey in this regard.  

Accompanied by his better half Neelam Misra, the Governor paid a visit to Mawlynnong village, which was awarded as the ‘cleanest village in Asia’ by Discover India in 2003.

The champion of Swachh Bharat Mission in the State, the Governor, who is on an official tour to Meghalaya for attending the 69th Plenary of North Eastern Council, interacted with the village and inhabitants and officials, said an official press note.

He felicitated them for being the proud residents of Asia's cleanest village.

The Governor said that the achievements of the women by keeping their village the cleanest, the socio-economic condition of the villagers has enhanced. Tourism and sale of local handicrafts have increased and many houses are earning well from homestay arrangements. This is the benefit of the village folk being individually and collectively responsible and conscious towards the area’s cleanliness and hygiene, he said.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Governor met Sela N Khathing, daughter of Major Ralengnao Khathing (widely known as Bob Khathing), the winner of Military Cross in World War II, at Shillong in Meghalaya today.

While recalling the contributions of Late Khathing, Dr Mishra said that he was a highly decorated and gallant officer. Major Khathing had effectively established India’s administrative operation over Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on 14th February 1951.

The Governor said that the people of Arunachal Pradesh, especially the people of Tawang still remember Major Khathing with respect for being the sole Indian official to visit their place when the Chinese threat in the area loomed large. One of the great stalwarts of North East, his memories in true spirit of the great greeting words ‘Jai Hind’ still motivate the people of the State, he said.

The Governor complimented Chief Minister Pema Khandu for announcing that the State government would recognize the contributions of Major Bob Khathing to Arunachal by constructing a memorial in his memory. He said that the foundation stone of the memorial would be laid on 14th February 2021, the day it is assumed that Major Khathing hoisted the tricolour in Tawang.

The Governor invited the family members of Major Khathing to Arunachal Pradesh as the honoured State guests.

Governor’s better half Neelam Misra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu were present in the meeting.