ITANAGAR: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) flagged off the second edition of Indo – Bhutan Friendship Car Rally 2017 here today.
The Governor expressed hope that the event will help in cementing the age-old relationship and friendship between India and Bhutan. He also wished that it provides a platform for exposure of traditional and cultural association and tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh and Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.
Stating that Arunachal Pradesh shares 160 km of international border with Bhutan, the Governor pointed 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, the Governor added.
“India and Bhutan have very friendly relations for a long time. Both countries have been standing shoulder to shoulder both during easy and difficult times. People of India and Bhutan have an inalienable cooperation to maintain their sovereignty, integrity and geographical entity”, the Governor expressed.
The Governor called upon the participants from both the countries to carry the message of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi that India and Bhutan are one and will stand as one to face any adversity. He also urged upon them to carry forward the goodwill message for each other’s country.
The Governor commended the rally drivers for their enthusiastic participation and adventurous spirit.
The rally is organized by the International Friendship Car Rally Association, Dirang, West Kameng District and sponsored by Dept of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal, Car manufacturing companies – Hyndai & Nissan.
The route followed will be Itanagar – Basar – Mechuka, which will be coinciding with Adventure@Mechuka festival – Basar – Itanagar – Guwahati – Phuentsoling and culminated at Thimpu on 28th November 2017. A total of seventeen cars are in the rally.
According to Pem Sonam, President, International Friendship Car Rally Association, the Indian team is led Anshu Jamsenpa, World Record Holder and 5 Times Mt. Everest Summitter and 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. 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 Dem and Nim Dem.
The 1st edition was flagged off by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 23rd October 2016 from Tawang and the route followed and places covered were Tawang- Bomdila- Itanagar-Guwahati-Phuentsoling and culminated at Thimpu on 26thOctober 2016.
