Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K. T. Parnaik (Retd) commended the Indian Army for its dedication to developing border areas, emphasizing its role in promoting growth and nation-building at the grassroots level. He visited the Border Brew Cafe in Tawang district, appreciating it as a model of community involvement and entrepreneurship in frontier regions. The Governor highlighted the Army’s consistent support for inclusive development along border areas, underscoring its significance in enhancing self-reliance and socio-economic progress among local communities.
Lt Gen Parnaik, who previously established Café 1400 ft in Sikkim, suggested greater engagement of local youth and promotion of traditional attire and local souvenirs at the café to boost visitor interaction and showcase regional identity. Colonel Rohan Khisti, Commanding Officer of the 2 Maratha Light Infantry, mentioned that the café is managed by the Bap Teng Kan Women Self-Help Group and was initiated under Operation Sadbhavana by the 5 Mountain Division. This initiative aims to empower residents in border areas by creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering self-reliance, highlighting the potential for economic development and resilience-building in strategic frontier regions.
Operation Sadbhavana, a longstanding Indian Army civic action program active in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, focuses on addressing socio-economic needs through education, healthcare services, infrastructure development, and vocational training for women and youth to promote national integration and counter alienation.
