TAWANG, MAY 6:
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the inaugural session of a regional workshop on “Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India” held in Tawang on Wednesday.
The workshop brought together delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and various Indian states to deliberate on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting a Buddhist tourism circuit, with emphasis on women-led rural tourism models.
In his address, Mein highlighted the state’s rich Buddhist heritage, noting that it uniquely represents both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. He said western regions such as Tawang, West Kameng, Mechuka and Tuting follow Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, while eastern districts like Namsai are prominent centres of Theravada Buddhism.
He emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of Tawang, home to a 400-year-old monastery and associated with the Sixth Dalai Lama, along with other heritage sites including Dirang Dzong, Thembang, Pemako and Mechuka valley.
Referring to eastern Arunachal, Mein noted the growing prominence of Namsai as a hub of Theravada Buddhism, with the Golden Pagoda and ongoing development of a 108-foot Buddha statue strengthening its appeal for spiritual tourism.
Highlighting the state’s cultural diversity, he said Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribes living in harmony, each with distinct traditions, languages and attire. He also underlined the state’s vast potential in eco-tourism, adventure tourism and spiritual tourism.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to heritage preservation, Mein said steps are being taken to digitise and conserve ancient manuscripts and traditional knowledge systems for future generations.
He also spoke about Arunachal Pradesh’s long-standing cultural linkages with countries such as Sri Lanka and noted the growing prominence of events like the Maha Sangken International Festival in Namsai.
On infrastructure, the DCM pointed to improved connectivity through projects such as the Trans Arunachal Highway and the upcoming Frontier Highway, which are enhancing access to remote areas including Tawang, Anini, Mechuka, Vijaynagar, Walong and Kibithoo.
Calling for a coordinated approach, Mein proposed the development of an integrated Buddhist circuit linking Arunachal Pradesh with other northeastern states and neighbouring countries. He suggested naming the initiative the “Tawang Initiative” to create a globally recognised tourism framework.
He also expressed plans to host an international tourism event in the state later this year to promote Arunachal Pradesh as a global destination.
The workshop featured technical sessions on regional cooperation, connectivity, branding and women-led rural tourism, along with discussions on identifying key Buddhist sites across the region.
The event was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, Sri Lanka Member of Parliament Gammana Liyanage Hasara Nayanathara Premathilaka, Tarayana Foundation Executive Director Sonam Pem, Bagmati Province lawmaker Yankila Sherpa and other delegates.
