Pasighat: Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Mohan Bhagwat, inaugurated an exhibition ‘Gallery of Braves’ on the heroes of the 1962 Sino-India war and heroes of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday at Donyi Polo Vidya Niketan, Talon Rukbo Nagar, Pasighat.
The exhibition is a collection of gallant stories about the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought tenaciously during the 1962 Sino-India War in Arunachal Pradesh. All the write-ups are compiled and presented by Group Captain Mohonto Panging Pao VM (Rtd).
Many of the heroes were martyred during the war. One Param Vir Chakra, many Maha Vir Chakras and Vir Chakra awardees have been featured in the exhibition. Besides, other unsung heroes who were not awarded but honoured by locals and enemy forces are also featured in the show.
The exhibition also featured Heroes of Arunachal, who fought against anti-national elements in faraway Jammu and Kashmir. Many were martyred and awarded gallantry awards like Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Sena Medal etc. Many dignitaries, officials and locals witnessed the exhibition. The exhibition is planned to be conducted and displayed at other places and events to create more awareness amongst the general population.
The Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat ji arrived on Monday in Pasighat on a four-day visit. RSS Akhil Bhartiya Karyakarini Sadasya Mananiya V Bhagaiah ji and Arunachal Pradesh Prant Karyavah Shri Nido Salter ji were also present on occasion.
Sino-India War of 1962
The one-month-long Sino-India War of 1962 was one of the darkest chapters of India. The primary triggers of the war were the Forward Policy adopted by the then-Indian government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Defence Minister Krishna Menon. Many Arunachali recalled the 1962 Sino-India war with fear and anger.
The main war commenced with a massive attack by Chinese forces on October 20th 1962, along with six significant axes, Tawang-Bomdilla-Rupa, Taksin-Limeking, Mechuka-Tato, Manigong-Tato, Gelling-Tuting and Kibithoo-Walong. Chinese troops advanced rapidly and reached Sela by October 23rd. After that, there was a long pause in fighting for almost three weeks, wherein proposals for peaceful negotiations were pursued without conclusion.
Indian soldiers fought many fierce battles in all sectors. Chinese declared a unilateral cease-fire on November 20th 1962, and later withdrew, marking the end of the Sino-India war.
