ITANAGAR, Nov 21: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr B D Mishra flagged off the second edition of the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Car Rally 2017 here on Tuesday.
Before flagging off the car rally, the Governor expressed hope that the event would further help in cementing the age-old relationship and friendship between India and Bhutan.
He also hoped that it provides a platform for exposure of traditional and cultural association and tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh and the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.
Stating that Arunachal Pradesh shares 160 km of international border with Bhutan, the Governor pointed out that the rally will enhance people-to-people contact between India and Bhutan.
“It will also showcase the potential for adventure and motor sports in Arunachal Pradesh”, he added.
The rally is being organized by the International Friendship Car Rally Association of Dirang, West Kameng district and is sponsored by the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Tourism, besides car manufacturing companies – Hyundai and Nissan.
A total of 17 cars will follow the prescribed route of Itanagar – Basar – Mechuka (which will also coincide with the Adventure@Mechuka festival) – Basar – Itanagar – Guwahati – Phuentsoling, and will culminate at Thimpu on the 28th of this month.
According to President of International Friendship Car Rally Association, Pem Sonam, the Indian team is led by Anshu Jamsenpa, world record holder and five times Mt Everest summitter.
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, P Vashamo and Ravoalo Slam from Nagaland.
The Bhutanese team is led by Karma Lhatrul Dorji Rinpoche. The first edition was flagged off by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 23rd October, 2016 from Tawang. (PRO)
