Perched on the Himalayas, Major General Rajesh Kumar Jha who was then commanding the five mountain divisions in the land of dawn-lit mountains decided to adopt Monpa kids.
As the Major General says, “In 2018 when I was posted in Arunachal Pradesh, my wife insisted to adopt girls and keep them with us for better grooming and parenting. God has given us so much, hence, we wanted to contribute something to society. Therefore, we brought home two children from two different families”.
The elder child Rinchin Norzom originally belongs to the Monpa community from Mukto near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, while younger one Tenzin Lhamu has a Tibetan origin settled in Mago village. Both the children are currently seven years old studying in class two of Woodbridge School in Nainital. They were adopted from the orphanage cum school, Manjushree Vidyapeeth, Tawang, run by Padmashri awardee Phuntsok Lama.
“They have become a part of our family now. Our biological children have accepted them as their own siblings and the two new lives are absolutely bundle of joy for us. So my wife and I were given the authorization as Sponsor Guardians by Manjushree Vidyapeeth which was duly authenticated by the district administration of Tawang. Even the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu appreciated this act of bringing up two orphan girls of the state,” Maj Gen Rajesh informed.
Major general Rajesh and his entire family are the recounting love say, “Both of them participated in a dance competition and it was a big win for Rinchin. Our entire family celebrated her win and that’s how we have developed strong bonding from small events of life. There are days when I don’t feel like exercising and they push me to work out. When I come home after a long day in the office, they ask me for tea or coffee. Their intent to do something by themselves shows how they are taking ownership“.
“Initially there were language barriers as they spoke Monpa. Their accent ‘Hum Apne haath se papa ko khilayega’ or ‘Papa ko proud feel karayega’ makes me feel even more special. They say they want to grow up and become an officer like me. Both the girls want to support underprivileged children once they grow up,” Maj Gen Rajesh smiled.
In fact, the second innings of motherhood have become eventful for his wife Mrs. Anupama Jha. From regular Yoga to teaching them Hanuman chalisa, is not only helping their roots to grow strong and deep but also keeping her active both mentally and physically.
“The day starts with Yoga and prayers, followed by Zumba, online classes, and cycling in the evening. The routine life that is now making them grounded will certainly help them fly one day. They are naughty but they never lie. One of them loves to run and play while the other one is a treasure of talent,” Mrs. Anupama replied.
