Shillong, Feb 14: The Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday attended the foundation laying ceremony of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Memorial Museum, which was laid by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd) in presence of Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Union MoS Sport & Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the museum, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma paid tribute to the great Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing whose name is synonymous with bravery.
“Tawang is a sacred place for Arunachal Pradesh and on this day, 70 years ago, Major Khathing made history by establishing Indian administrative control over Tawang and hoisted the tricolour,” the Chief Minister remarked.
The Chief Minister said that Major Khathing had a special bond with Meghalaya too and as most of you are aware, his late wife Smti Kleris Nora Lyngdoh was from Shillong. “I’m so glad to see his children and family in our midst today and I am certain that this must be an emotional and proud moment for all of them as it is to all of us”, he added.
He said that the establishment of this Memorial will go a long way in keeping the memory of Major Bob Khathing alive. “I commend my friend, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu Ji and the Government for ensuring that Major Khathing’s legacy is given its due recognition.
Today, I salute Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, North East’s brave son for all that he has done,” he said. Who is Major Khathing ? Major Khathing achieved so much in his lifetime- he was a bright student who became the first tribal from Manipur to graduate.
He participated in the 2nd World War and though his short stature was an issue when he enrolled in the British Army, he succeeded because of his
admirable personality and went on to become the 1st Manipuri to get the King’s Commission. He became a Captain in the British Army’s ‘Victor Force Operation’ and helped the Allied Forces gather information on Japanese movements.
For his contribution to the British War effort, he was awarded the prestigious Member of the British Empire (MBE) in December 1943 and received the Military Cross in August 1944. He then became the Assistant Commandant of the Assam Rifles and it was from this point onwards, his name earned its place in India’s history.
Major Khathing had amazing people skills, he was great at establishing connections with people and because of this, he was able to take over Tawang which was under the administrative control of the then Tibetan government. No war involved and not a single drop of blood was shed. Just through basic human connect and shared values; he won over the hearts and trust of the people.
Later on, he was appointed the Ambassador of India to Burma in 1972, becoming the 1st tribal to become the Ambassador of India. He was awarded the Padma Shree Award for the rescue and rehabilitation work during the 1950 earthquake and his role in securing Tawang. Our country is indebted to Major Khathing for his bravery, his contributions and the impact he has made in the lives of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the North East.
