Lish Village: A Living Hymn in the Heart of the Himalayas

Nestled in the serene lap of the Eastern Himalayas, just 7 kilometers from Dirang and 49 kilometers from Bomdila—the district headquarters of West Kameng—lies a little-known yet deeply evocative village: Lish. Unmarked on mainstream travel itineraries, Lish is more than a destination—it is a sanctuary where faith, culture, and nature converge in quiet harmony.

Here, in the rugged beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, time doesn't merely pass—it pauses. The people of Lish, primarily from the Monpa tribe, have chosen continuity over convenience, legacy over limelight. Their way of life is not dictated by modernity but anchored in tradition, resilience, and an unwavering spiritual rhythm that defines this extraordinary Himalayan outpost.

The Soul of the Himalayas: Where Buddhism Breathes

Lish exudes a spiritual calm that’s almost tangible. Close by, the majestic Bomdila Monastery watches over the valley—a sentinel of Buddhist philosophy and a beacon for pilgrims and wanderers alike. It isn’t simply a religious structure; it’s a breathing testament to the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha and the historical reach of Emperor Ashoka, who helped disseminate these values far beyond the subcontinent.

In Lish, Buddhism is not confined to temples. It’s in the flutter of prayer flags, the cadence of daily chants, and the reverence with which the Monpas engage with both nature and each other. The Mahayana tradition practiced here weaves through everyday life, guiding not just worship but work, family, and community.

Resilience Carved Into Every Grain of Wood

Surviving in Lish’s isolated, high-altitude terrain requires more than just endurance—it demands a deep cultural intuition. And the Monpas rise to that demand with grace. Their traditional occupations, far from mere subsistence, are expressions of artistry and heritage.

Yak herding, for instance, is not just an economic activity—it’s a generational bond, a legacy that links ancestors to descendants. Alongside it thrives a rich craft tradition: wood carving, thangka painting, wool weaving, and handloom artistry. Each piece crafted in Lish is more than utilitarian—it is a sacred object, shaped by ritual, reverence, and the memory of countless hands.

A carved doorframe here speaks of legends. A woven carpet becomes a canvas of spiritual symbols. A hand-painted scroll becomes a bridge between the temporal and the divine.

Festivals That Make the Mountains Dance

And then come the festivals—bursts of color, music, and unity amid the white snows and green hills. Losar, the Monpa New Year, is a kaleidoscope of joy and ritual. Choskar, dedicated to agricultural prosperity, sees community processions invoking blessings on the fields and families. Torgya, with its vivid masked dances and symbolic offerings, transforms the village into a theater of devotion and storytelling.

What makes these celebrations unique is their sense of collective energy. Everyone participates. Everyone contributes. They are performances of expressions of inner devotion and community pride. In Lish, you don’t just see a culture—you feel it.

Lish: A Cultural Reservoir in a Changing World

In an age defined by rapid transformation and cultural homogenization, Lish is a rare anchor of authenticity. It embodies the possibility of a life that is both rooted and evolving, ancient yet alive.It does not shout for attention, but quietly earns it.

This pristine hamlet whispers to those who listen: that faith can be as solid as stone, that culture can survive in the harshest of climates, and that a small village can be the bearer of a civilization’s soul.

Make your way there, and you will realise—you’re not just visiting a place, you’re walking through a living prayer. A hymn sung by yaks on mountain paths, by monks in smoke-filled halls, and by the wind through pine trees that have stood watch for centuries.

You won’t just return with photographs—you’ll return with perspective. And perhaps, a part of your spirit will choose to linger, tucked away in that tranquil village where time walks barefoot, and life is nothing short of a sacred journey.

Lish is not just a dot on the map—it is a beating heart in the quiet chest of the Himalayas.

Signal of Progress: How 4G⁺ Connectivity is Bridging Borders in Eastern Arunachal

To those living in India’s bustling cities, high-speed internet may seem as ordinary as running water. But for communities nestled in the remote border villages of Arunachal Pradesh, connectivity has long been a luxury—more imagined than experienced. In the quiet, mist-covered hills of Eastern Arunachal, the hardworking people have long lived with breath-taking views—but without bars on their phones. Until recently, digital connectivity was more myth than reality. Messages would take hours to send, calls dropped as often as they connected, and accessing online services meant long treks to distant towns.

That changed recently, when the Civil Administration and Indian Army joined hands to bring 4G⁺ mobile connectivity to this rugged, often-overlooked corner of the country. The installation of a high-speed 4G⁺ mobile tower is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and inclusion.

This tower doesn’t just beam internet—it beams opportunity. For the first time, students in villages can attend online classes without frustration. Farmers can access real-time weather updates, market rates, and government schemes. Healthcare workers can consult specialists remotely, and families separated by work or education can stay connected through video calls. This is nothing short of transformational.

Schoolchildren browsing educational videos, women learning new skills online, and elderly villagers chatting with their sons working in cities. The laughter and excitement that echo from the homes now come with a stronger signal.

For Nyima Tsering, a teacher near the Indo-China border in Eastern Arunachal, this development felt nothing short of transformative. Though the article bears his voice, it speaks for an entire community long cut off from the digital revolution. “For years,” Nyima says, “we taught our children about the internet through textbooks. Now, they can explore it for themselves.”

The installation of a high-speed 4G⁺ tower in the area, backed by seamless collaboration between the Indian Army and civil authorities, marks a historic step toward inclusive development and national integration. Where there were once only patchy signals and static silence, there’s now a lifeline—a signal strong enough to carry education, healthcare, commerce and stories across mountains.

The success of this venture lies in the unusual yet effective synergy between soldiers and civilians. While the Army ensured security, logistics, and groundwork in the often-inhospitable terrain, the Civil Administration coordinated technical support, permissions, and local workforce mobilisation. It reflects a deepening commitment to nation-building and a reaffirmation that no citizen should be left behind—especially not because of geography.

“This isn’t just about technology,” Nyima reflects. “It’s about trust. Trust between the people and the institutions that serve us.”

This 4G⁺ milestone is just the beginning. Plans are underway to replicate the model in other border regions, ensuring that remote doesn’t mean neglected. As Nyima walks to school, phone in hand, he’s no longer just a teacher—he’s a bridge between the past and the future.

The mountains still rise high and the winters remain fierce, but now, the people of Eastern Arunachal are more connected than ever—not only to the rest of India, but to the world of opportunities beyond. Welcome to a new chapter in Arunachal’s story—where the mountains still echo, but now, so do voices from every corner of the country.

Arunachal Rising: A Bold New Vision for Tourism in the Land of the Rising Sun

Amid snow-dusted peaks and emerald river valleys, Arunachal Pradesh has long been India's best-kept secret. Now, it’s ready to step into the global spotlight. With the unveiling of its new tourism policy and a striking brand identity — “Arunachal: Beyond Myths and Mountains” — the Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains is crafting a journey that promises more than just scenic beauty, it offers transformation.

At a landmark press conference in New Delhi, Pasang Dorjee Sona, the hon’ble minister for Tourism, revealed a dynamic roadmap to position Arunachal Pradesh as a world-class tourism destination. But the vision goes far beyond numbers. It’s about preserving the untouched, celebrating tribal legacies, and offering experiences that stir the soul. From glacial treks and jungle safaris to meditation retreats in ancient monasteries, the new policy is rooted in experiential tourism — a calling for travellers who seek meaning over material.

The blueprint is ambitious and inclusive. It embraces farm tourism, wellness escapes, border adventure trails, and even film tourism. At its core is sustainability: eco-sensitive development, capacity building, and community empowerment. “We envision tourism that uplifts not just the traveller, but the host as well,” said Sona. “With this policy, we aim to double domestic arrivals and multiply international interest tenfold.”

To support this vision, the government will prioritize capacity building and skill development to foster an inclusive workforce. “Skill gap assessments will be conducted to align with industry demands in addition to providing skill training for small businesses and local guides. We will collaborate with premier institutes such as IITTM and IHM for training initiatives and introduce management courses in state institutions,” shared Mopi Mihu, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly and Advisor to the Minister for Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The numbers are already promising. In 2023, Arunachal saw a 368.91% jump in domestic tourists and a 300% rise in international arrivals. That’s over a million Indian visitors rediscovering their own land, and thousands from abroad catching whispers of Arunachal’s allure.

Backing this policy is a surge of infrastructural upgrades — better roads, more flights, improved signage, and a 50% expansion in accommodation. With over 793 homestays and 237 hotels already in place, the state is forging partnerships with travel giants like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip to spotlight authentic local stays. For tourists, this means sipping Apong (rice beer) on a misty farm morning or learning tribal weaving techniques from women who’ve preserved these arts for generations.

Adding weight to its commitment, the government is also preparing to absorb global lessons. A study tour to Costa Rica — a pioneer in eco-tourism — is on the cards. “We want to blend the best of global ideas with our unique landscape,” shared Manjunath R, Director of Tourism.

To ensure investors don’t get left behind, the state is rolling out land banks, a dedicated facilitation cell, and a seamless digital interface. Arunachal’s message is clear: “We’re open, we’re ready, and we want the world to explore us — responsibly.”

And then, there’s the logo — vibrant, modern, and deeply rooted in tribal symbolism. It’s not just branding. It’s a beckoning to wanderers. “This identity reflects a journey — not just across mountains, but across cultures, across stories, across one’s own limits,” said Manjunath.

So, whether you’re a mountaineer tracing Himalayan ridgelines, a filmmaker chasing golden-hour shots in Monpa villages, or a seeker of silence in the chants of Tawang, Arunachal now meets you halfway.

In a world that’s growing louder, Arunachal offers an invitation to listen — to the mountains, to the rivers, and perhaps, to yourself. Welcome to India’s final frontier — no longer hidden, but boldly, beautifully revealed.