Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the consecration ceremony of 108 Stupas in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, led by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk today. The Ministry of Minority Affairs said Mr Rijiju’s participation reflected the shared spiritual and cultural heritage and longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan.
The 108 Stupas project was conceived by the Bhutan King who also steered its implementation. In a single day, thousands of volunteers erected 108 Stupas, each 15 metres tall and separated by 108 metres on an 11.7 kilometre stretch along the Aie River within Gelephu Mindfulness City near the border with Assam. During the ceremony, Bhutan’s King, Prime Minister and Minister Rijiju offered prayers at Stupa No. 76, dedicated by the King to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his commitment and steadfast support for Gelephu Mindfulness City. Mr Rijiju conveyed the Prime Minister’s gratitude for the special gesture.
Both sides appreciated the close bilateral ties and progress in cooperation across development partnership, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and cultural exchanges. Mr Rijiju reaffirmed India’s support for Gelephu Mindfulness City and its potential to promote development in neighbouring regions of India alongside Bhutan.
