Union Minister Kiren Rijiju thanked Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for dedicating Stupa 76 in Gelephu Mindfulness City to PM Narendra Modi, celebrating the deep spiritual heritage, cross-border connectivity, and bilateral friendship between India and Bhutan.
In a profound demonstration of enduring civilizational bonds and diplomatic goodwill, Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju conveyed India’s heartfelt gratitude to the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, for dedicating a sacred stupa in Gelephu Mindfulness City to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremonial gesture honors Prime Minister Modi’s steadfast commitment, personal leadership, and continuous support toward the visionary urban and spiritual initiative taking shape along Bhutan’s southern frontier.
Minister Rijiju represented the Government of India during a three-day official visit to the Himalayan kingdom, concluding on Monday. During this mission, he attended the grand raising and consecration ceremony of 108 stupas in the upcoming Special Administrative Region of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The landmark event coincided with the highly auspicious Buddhist festival of Lhabab Duchen, which celebrates the descent of Gautama Buddha from the heavenly realms back to Earth.
Reflecting on the honor bestowed upon India’s Prime Minister, Rijiju took to social media platform X to underline the profound theological significance of the King’s decision. He observed that dedicating a sacred stupa is not a standard ceremonial act, but rather an exceptional, highly meritorious tribute. In Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy, a stupa represents far more than an architectural wonder or memorial; it embodies the enlightened mind, wisdom, and compassion of the Buddha. Dedicating Stupa 76 specifically to Prime Minister Modi reflects the extraordinary spiritual and diplomatic trust existing between the leadership of both nations.
The 108 Stupas initiative was conceptualized and steered directly by the King of Bhutan. In an extraordinary collective effort, thousands of Bhutanese volunteers joined hands to erect all 108 stupas in a single day. Each structure rises to a height of 15 meters, spaced precisely 108 meters apart, spanning an 11.7-kilometer corridor along the banks of the Aie (Mau) River within Gelephu, adjacent to the Indian state of Assam. Accompanied by the resonant blowing of traditional Dungchen horns and sacred monastic chants, the consecration establishes Gelephu as an international center of Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy while highlighting the rich heritage of the Bhutanese kingdom.
Beyond religious ceremony, the visit featured high-level diplomatic engagements. Minister Rijiju was granted a royal audience by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held extensive bilateral discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, both nations reviewed the upward trajectory of their multifaceted partnership, spanning renewable energy, bilateral trade, educational exchanges, cross-border digital integration, and regional transport connectivity.
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Minister Rijiju reaffirmed the Government of India’s unequivocal backing for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. Positioned directly along the Assam border, GMC is envisioned not only as a global mindfulness and economic hub, but also as a vital growth driver that will generate economic spillovers, enhance cross-border transit links, and foster mutual prosperity across India’s northeastern states and Bhutan for generations to come.
