Event Reports |
July 30, 2025

IF-IHC Book Discussion on ‘In Between the Blurry Lines: 14 Defining Moments That Shaped Arunachal Pradesh’ by Shri Sonam Chombay

India Foundation, in collaboration with the India Habitat Centre, organised a discussion on the book, ‘In Between the Blurry Lines: 14 Defining Moments That Shaped Arunachal Pradesh’, by Shri Sonam Chombay, Author & Commissioner to the Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh on 30 July 2025 at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre. Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh delivered a special address at the session and General Joginder Jaswant Singh, Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Former COAS discussed the book. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

Shri Sonam Chombay’s book was presented as a clear and accessible exploration of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich heritage, capturing its significance as a vital part of Northeast India’s cultural and geographical landscape. As a bureaucrat, Chombay meticulously detailed the contributions of tribes, state officials, and political leaders in shaping Arunachal’s modern boundaries, tracing its historical evolution from the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to its current statehood. The book stood out for its insider perspective, covering pivotal events like the Anglo-Abor War of 1873 and the Indo-China War War of 1962, while positioning Arunachal as a geo-strategically significant state bordering Bhutan, China, Tibet, and Myanmar, thus serving as a valuable resource for researchers and policy analysts interested in India’s north-eastern relations. It also highlighted Arunachal’s recent infrastructural advancements, showcasing its potential as a hub for sustainable development and tourism.

Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister, and Gen. JJ Singh further enriched the discussion by highlighting the book’s role in mainstreaming Arunachal’s history and diversity. Khandu emphasized the state’s transformative development since 2008, including advancements in infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth, driven by initiatives like operational airports in Itanagar, Pasighat, and Tezu, and the vision to harness Arunachal’s river basins for hydroelectric power. Gen. Singh, offering a military perspective, underscored the state’s strategic importance, particularly the McMahon Line and the Brahmaputra, while praising Chombay’s work for bringing the youngest state’s historical and ecological narrative into academic focus, advocating for its inclusion in mainstream curricula. Their insights reinforced the book’s aim to bridge India’s literary gap on the Northeast, fostering greater national awareness of Arunachal’s unique identity.

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