Guwahati, June 10: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with an 11-member delegation from Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Project on Tuesday at Lok Sewa Bhawan. The delegation, visiting Assam and Meghalaya, included members of the project’s Core Working Group and officials from the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General.
The meeting was marked by a cordial exchange of ideas, highlighting the strong relationship between Assam and the Kingdom of Bhutan. CM Sarma welcomed the group warmly and praised the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project as a visionary initiative that promotes sustainable development and regional cooperation.
He assured the delegation of Assam’s full support, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for enhanced regional partnerships. The Chief Minister emphasized that the project could open doors for institutional collaboration, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment through education, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
Sarma encouraged the Bhutanese team to visit key institutions in Assam, such as universities and healthcare facilities, to explore practical avenues for synergy. He also extended an invitation for them to utilize Assam’s state-run resources as potential models or collaborators in building the new city.
Recalling His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s previous visit to Assam, CM Sarma expressed hope to host the Bhutanese royal family again. He proposed that the Core Working Group’s next visit include a broad-based, multi-sectoral meeting involving a wider group of stakeholders to deepen engagement and ensure holistic development planning.
The Bhutanese delegation was led by Dasho Arun Kapur, and included notable members such as former Chief Justice Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, National Council MP Dasho Tashi Wangyal, and Consulate General officials Jigme Thinlye Namgyal and Phurpa Tshering.
From Assam’s side, senior officials including Special Chief Secretary Syedain Abbasi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister K. K. Dwivedi, and Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta participated in the discussions, underscoring the state’s commitment to regional collaboration with Bhutan.
