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Building bridges
Scripting a tale of bonhomie, a Chinese delegation along
with their family members joined the Independence Day celebrations at Bumla
North East News Agency
EVEN the incessant rains could not dampen the exuberance and the spirit of
camaraderie that marked the 59th Independence
Day celebrated by the sentinels of the country at the far frontier of the
eastern sector located in the district of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Scripting a tale of bonhomie at this Himalayan abode, a delegation of
Chinese officers and soldiers accompanied by their family members joined the
Independence Day celebrations of their Indian counterparts at Bumla.These
inter actions between the Chinese and Indian troops are termed as the
Special Border Personnel Meeting (SBPM). The idea was adopted between the
two countries on May 30, 2003 to make SBPM an annual event which can provide
opportunity for the soldiers of both countries to come together and share a
few moment of warmth, thus strengthening the bond of friendship.
The first such informal inter action between wherein the soldiers of the
two countries participated along with their families took place on August
15, 2003. It was a grand success. The Chinese side reciprocated the Indian
gesture by inviting the Indian delegation to a cultural programme on the
Chinese side on October 1, 2004 on the occasion of the Chinese National Day.
In the continuation of the tradition and spirit of SBPM, this year too a
Chinese delegation led by Col Chen Jian, participated in the Independence
Day celebrations. The National Flag was unfurled by Sector Commander
Brigadier Abhay Kumar. The delegation members of both the countries saluted
the Indian Flag which was followed by National Anthem. Then there was a
cultural extravaganza showcasing the rich Indian heritage. But like previous
years, the high light of the meet was building of heart to heart bridges
between the officers and families of both sides despite language and
cultural barriers. Both sides also exchanged gifts.
Making a statement at the meet, Brigadier Abhay Kumar highlighted the
significance of the SBPM by saying This event is a step forward in the
direction to further cement the ongoing efforts for improving Sino-Indian
relations.Today the SBPM, both for its flair and significance, have easily
become the high point of Independence Day celebrations in the North-East.
Gone are those days when the relationship between the two countries was
bitter. Misunderstanding and mistrust were the order of the day. Political
leadership of both the countries has shown enough maturity to usher a new
era of friendship.
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