By Shobha Rao Smilemaker
New Delhi, May 3: Imagine the map of India and imagine finding yourself somewhere on the eastern border of India. I was able to visit 2 border checkpoints- Moreh, in Manipur State which lies at the border of India with Burma or Myanmar as it is known now. And Akhaura in Tripura state at the border of India and Bangladesh.
On the way to the Burma border, I saw many teak trees and remembered how our old carpenters would refer to Burma teak as the best option for furniture. We had to pass many military check posts showing our Manipur border permits because of a huge problem of smuggling in these border towns.
The border Bridge that separated Burma from was painted partially in silver representing the Indian side and partially in yellow which represented the Burmese side.
'Welcome to the India Myanmar Friendship Road' read the plaque next to the bridge, bringing a feel-good factor to the whole area.
We witnessed the respectful flag-lowering ceremony at the Akhaura check post in Agartala where army personnel from both countries marched in unison and kept the national flags in safe custody for the night. And we all shouted Jai Hind with patriotism. And yes I was even able to keep my feet on two countries at the same time!
Every night we sleep soundly in our beds thanks to our brave Indian Armed Forces that keep our border secure!
Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.