MAJOR BOB KHATHING MEMORIAL LECTURE

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MAJOR BOB KHATHING MEMORIAL LECTURE

MANEKSHAW CENTRE, NEW DELHI

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Time	Event
Ph-I
1000-1005hr	Welcome Address by DG USI
1005-1010hr	Address by DG Assam Rifles
1010-1035hr (Talk)	Deciphering Implication of Maj Bob Khathing's Expedition to Tawang by Lt Gen PC Nair, PVSM AVSM, YSM, PhD (Retd). ex DG AR
1035-1045hr (Talk)	Reminiscence: Maj Bob Khathing-Hero of the North East by Mr John Khathing, s/o Maj Bob Khathing
1045-1055hr	Cultural Programme
1055-1125hr	High Tea &Vis Gallery
Ph-II
1130-1140hr	Arr of RM &Vis Gallery
1140-1145hr	Felicitation of RM by DG AR
1145-1200hr	Screening of Movie on Maj Bob Khathing
1200-1210hr	Cultural Programme
1210-1220hr	Speech by Hon'ble RM
1220-1230hr	Group Photograph

On March 19, 2025, the United Service Institution in collaboration with the Directorate General of Assam Rifles held the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Lecture at Manekshaw Centre. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri; Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister Arunachal Pradesh; Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff; Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff; Major General BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI; Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General, Assam Rifles; Lieutenant General PC Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD (Retd) and Mr. John SR Khathing, s/o Major Bob Khathing graced the occasion, apart from a large number of veterans and serving officers.

All speakers & Hon’ble Raksha Mantri were unanimous in appreciating the services of Maj Bob Khathing as a Soldier, Bureaucrat and later as a Diplomat. His unique contribution of uniting Tawang (and present-day Arunachal Pradesh) with India was especially highlighted as the most significant achievement among others.

Key Takeaways:

Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), DG, USI highlighted the developments in Manipur, Myanmar and Bangladesh along with China. He called for greater attention towards the northeast and acknowledged the meticulous role played by Maj Bob Khathing in peacefully integrating Tawang into the Indian administration.

Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd),

DG, USI

2. Lt General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Riffles acknowledged that Major Bob Khathing’s tireless efforts exemplified the unwavering bonds towards India’s progress as a nation. He also highlighted Maj Bob Khathing’s crucial role in leading the 1951 Tawang expedition, which firmly established Indian sovereignty over the region. He emphasized that despite extreme weather conditions and logistical challenges, Khathing's leadership ensured the successful integration of Tawang into India, preventing Chinese expansion.

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM,

DG, Assam Rifles

3. Lt Gen PC Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD (Retd), Former DGAR underscored Tawang’s immense geopolitical importance, particularly in the context of China’s "Five Finger Policy," which views Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet. Additionally, he stressed that beyond its military significance due to its proximity to Tibet, Tawang is a vital cultural and religious centre for Tibetan Buddhism, reinforcing India’s historical and civilizational claims over the region. He emphasized upon Maj Bob Khathing contributions as a soldier, administrator, and statesman.

Lt Gen PC Nair PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD (Retd), Former DGAR

4. Mr John Khathing, son of Major Bob Khathing, highlighted how Maj Bob Khathing represented India at various international forums and garnered peace, goodwill for India from other nations. He highlighted his father’s significant contributions to India's security and governance in the North East. As a political officer, Major Bob Khathing worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare of local communities and foster trust between the people and the Indian government. His diplomatic yet firm approach earned him immense respect, reinforcing India's presence in the region. His ability to balance military strategy with civil administration played a crucial role in stabilizing the frontier areas.

Mr John Khathing, s/o Maj Bob Khathing

5. Shri Mr. Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh began his address by acknowledging Major Bob Khathing's pivotal role in integrating Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA) with India. As a diplomat, military officer, and administrator, Khathing led the peaceful establishment of the Indian administration in Tawang in 1951, reinforcing India's sovereignty in the region. The Chief Minister paid tribute to Major Bob Khathing's legacy, recognizing his contributions to the state’s development.

Mr. Pema Khandu, CM Arunachal Pradesh

6. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri highlighted the achievements of Maj Bob Khathing and his contribution to national integration and security which should not be forgotten but act as an inspiration for the countrymen.