In a notable cultural gesture, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was presented with the book Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India’s Hidden Frontier by Major Rahul Jha in New Delhi. The ceremony highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of Arunachal Pradesh, a frontier state of critical strategic importance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The book, authored by Major Jha—currently serving as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh—is a compelling mix of fictional storytelling and factual narratives derived from two years of extensive travel through the state’s remote and culturally rich regions. It offers readers a window into the traditions, lifestyles, and resilience of the people inhabiting India’s easternmost territories.
General Dwivedi lauded Major Jha’s work as an important cultural milestone, stating that such literary efforts help convey the strength and spirit of frontier communities. He emphasised the value of showcasing Arunachal’s deep-rooted heritage, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions with China continue to affect perceptions and policies in the region.
The presentation also echoes the conclusions of a study published in the Journal of Cultural Geography, which noted that storytelling can serve as a vital means of preserving indigenous identity in militarized border regions. The Army’s engagement in such cultural initiatives reflects a broader approach that goes beyond defence, aiming to strengthen the national narrative through heritage and human connection.
This cultural initiative comes amid continued political and diplomatic focus on Arunachal Pradesh, where a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is still underway for his controversial remarks in 2022 about Chinese incursions. In this context, the Indian Army’s symbolic endorsement of local heritage is seen as reinforcing the sovereign, cultural, and emotional bonds between the region and the rest of the nation.
