Bhutan has dedicated Stupa number 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a major 108-Stupas project in Gelephu Mindfulness City. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the gesture as a huge honour for India and expressed gratitude to the Bhutanese leadership.
Rijiju represented India at the ceremony for the raising and consecration of 108 Stupas, held on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen.
In a post on X, Rijiju said the dedication recognised Prime Minister Modi’s vision and commitment to strengthening friendship between India and Bhutan.
He attended the spiritual ceremony in the presence of the King of Bhutan, Queen Gyaltsuen and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, along with people from Bhutan.
According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Rijiju also conveyed gratitude on behalf of Prime Minister Modi to the King of Bhutan for dedicating the Stupa.
The 108-Stupas project was conceived by the King of Bhutan, who also guided its implementation.
Thousands of volunteers erected 108 Stupas in a single day along an 11.7-kilometre stretch beside the Aie (Mau) River in Gelephu Mindfulness City, near the Assam border.
Each Stupa is 15 metres tall, with a distance of 108 metres between consecutive structures.
The project aims to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City as a prominent centre of Vajrayana Buddhism while showcasing Bhutanese values, culture and spiritual heritage.
During his visit, Rijiju also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Gelephu. The two leaders held what Rijiju described as warm and positive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring the potential of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
Rijiju said India remains a steadfast partner in Bhutan’s development and prosperity.
The Union Minister visited Bhutan from October 31 to November 2. India and Bhutan continue to cooperate across several areas, including development assistance, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and cultural exchanges.
