Almost two years ago, when Obom Tangu, a talented singer from Arunachal Pradesh, spoke about his village Tuting on the Indian Idol stage, it stirred a wave of curiosity across the nation. People wanted to know more about this remote yet captivating village nestled among towering mountains and along the Siang River, the upper stretch of the mighty Brahmaputra. For those fortunate enough to have visited this extraordinary land, Tangu’s words evoked a deep sense of connection to the unique charm and emotional resonance of Tuting.
Situated in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Tuting is one of the most remote villages in the region, and reaching there is no small feat. This village holds immense strategic significance, not just because it marks a critical point near India’s northern border, but also as a part of the government’s Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), designed to transform border villages into thriving hubs of connectivity, culture, and development.
Tuting’s location is remarkable—it lies along the course of the Siang River, which flows from the southeast of the Nongongri region in China, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, and enters India to merge with the Brahmaputra. Adding to its allure is the nearby Kepangla Pass, home to a revered Buddhist shrine. This sacred site is a significant pilgrimage destination for the Memba tribe, who form the majority of the local population. However, access to the shrine is limited due to its positioning along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Tuting and its surrounding areas, including the Tuting-Gelling Circuit, offer a rich tapestry of history and heritage. The region is deeply influenced by the Nyingma school of Buddhism, established by the Indian tantric master Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, in the 8th century. The legacy of Guru Rinpoche is deeply woven into the lives of the Memba people, who have preserved their cultural identity despite the challenges of living in a high-security zone.
The Vibrant Village Programme, announced in the Union Budget of 2022 and launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kibithoo in April 2023, focuses on the holistic development of border villages. It aims to provide improved connectivity, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities to villages like Tuting. Covering 46 blocks in 19 districts across Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, the first phase of the programme has allocated ₹4,800 crore for development initiatives between 2022 and 2026. Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for 455 villages in the first phase, underscoring its strategic importance.
The programme’s interventions include building road connectivity to unconnected villages, renewable energy projects, housing, and creating opportunities for tourism and cultural preservation. The ultimate goal is to incentivise people to stay in these remote areas while addressing migration concerns and promoting economic self-reliance.
During our journey through Tuting and other border villages like Menchuka, Taksing, and Gelemo, we encountered a spirit of optimism among the residents. They believe the development of their villages will bring better access to markets, improved connectivity, and integration with mainstream life in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond. Villagers expressed gratitude for the Indian Army, which has been a pillar of support, providing essential services and infrastructure assistance in these isolated regions.
Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd), the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, recently visited Tuting and lauded the collaborative efforts of the armed forces and the local population. He emphasised the need for state officials, elected representatives, and central government ministers to engage more actively with these villages. Such involvement, he argued, would significantly accelerate development and address challenges like delayed project completion.
Residents, including those in Tuting, have embraced opportunities in tourism, horticulture, and animal husbandry to enhance their livelihoods. They have also begun supplying fresh produce and poultry to the armed forces stationed nearby, fostering a symbiotic relationship.
Despite the progress, Tuting faces significant challenges, such as frequent landslides, which disrupt connectivity and isolate residents from the outside world. This issue was highlighted by Obom Tangu during his Indian Idol appearances, drawing national attention to the plight of border villages. Many areas in Upper Siang, West Siang, Upper Subansiri, and Anjaw continue to face similar difficulties, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to improve infrastructure.
Tuting’s rich history is reflected in the stories of its people. Elderly villagers recount a time before the 1962 Sino-Indian War when they could freely traverse the border for trade and hunting. Tales of hospitality abound, such as those of villagers in Gelling and Norboling sheltering people who fled from Tibet during times of unrest.
The region is also steeped in spiritual significance, with landmarks like the Gelling Monastery, just a few kilometres away, attracting historians and pilgrims alike. These sites, along with the enduring legacy of Guru Rinpoche, make Tuting a cultural treasure waiting to be explored.
The Vibrant Village Programme offers a beacon of hope for Tuting and similar villages. It is a chance to preserve their cultural heritage while opening doors to new opportunities. From the Kepangla Pass to the Siang River, the stories of Tuting are stories of resilience, culture, and hope. They remind us of the potential of India’s border villages to flourish as vibrant communities, enriching the nation while retaining their unique identity.
As Tuting takes its place as a vibrant village, it also represents the dreams of countless Obom Tangus who hope to showcase their talents and connect with the larger world. It stands as a testament to how strategic development can transform the narrative of border villages from isolation to opportunity.
