Guwahati, June 11: In a powerful display of cross-border camaraderie and shared vision, a high-level nine-member delegation from Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project visited Assam Royal Global University (RGU) in Guwahati on Wednesday. The visit underscored the growing cultural and economic resonance between Bhutan and Assam, as both regions look to the future with renewed cooperation.
The Bhutanese delegation held wide-ranging talks with RGU Chancellor Dr. AK Pansari, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) AK Buragohain, and emeritus Professor Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury—Chair of the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity—along with other top officials of the university.
Central to the discussions was the deep geographical and cultural affinity shared by Bhutan and Assam, with both sides exploring avenues to bolster economic, academic, and people-to-people ties. The concept of Gelephu Mindfulness City—a forward-thinking model for sustainable urban living grounded in Bhutanese values of harmony and well-being—served as the backdrop for this exchange of ideas.
Delegation member Dasho Tashi Wangyal struck a hopeful tone, celebrating Assam’s transition from a turbulent past to a promising era of peace and progress. He commended the state’s political leadership for its clarity of purpose and praised Assam’s youth for their drive toward skill development. Wangyal also acknowledged the state’s dynamic business community for embracing innovation and growth.
The Bhutanese team emphasized sustainability as the cornerstone of any joint effort, expressing interest in co-developing initiatives that align with ecological responsibility, inclusive development, and regional prosperity.
Chancellor Dr. Pansari welcomed the delegation with warmth and invoked the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family”—as a foundation for educational diplomacy. He expressed strong support for deeper academic exchanges and collaborative programs between institutions in Bhutan and Assam, with a focus on human resource development, entrepreneurship, and cultural studies.
Before the formal talks, the Bhutanese delegation was taken on an extensive tour of the RGU campus. They were shown the university’s academic infrastructure, research centres, and student amenities—highlighting the institution’s capabilities and readiness to engage in international partnerships.
Other key members of the Bhutanese team included Dasho Karma Tshiteem, Dasho Arun Kapur, Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, Consul General Jigme Thinlye Namgyal, and Sangay Wangdi—each bringing diverse perspectives from governance, policy, and education sectors in Bhutan.
This visit is being seen as a significant step toward building a collaborative bridge between Assam and Bhutan—one rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for sustainable regional development.
