Stupa 76: Bhutan Honors PM Modi in Grand Spiritual Gesture
King of Bhutan honors PM Modi by dedicating Stupa 76 in the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, strengthening India-Bhutan ties.
In a powerful symbol of diplomatic friendship and spiritual kinship, the King of Bhutan has dedicated Stupa number 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture took place during a grand ceremony in the Gelephu Mindfulness City, marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the two neighboring nations.
A Sacred Honor for India
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who represented India at the event, described the dedication as a "huge honour" for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju noted that the dedication of the sacred stupa recognizes Prime Minister Modi's outstanding vision and his unwavering commitment to fostering the friendship between India and Bhutan.
The ceremony coincided with the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen. The atmosphere was charged with spirituality as the consecration of the stupas was accompanied by the traditional blowing of Dungchens. Minister Rijiju offered prayers and paid his respects in the presence of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
The Ambition of Gelephu Mindfulness City
The dedication of Stupa 76 is part of a larger, breathtaking project conceived and steered by the King of Bhutan: the creation of 108 Stupas. This project is designed to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City as a premier global center for Vajrayana Buddhism, while showcasing the deep-rooted values and culture of the Bhutanese people.
The scale of the implementation was nothing short of extraordinary:
- Massive Volunteer Effort: Thousands of volunteers worked together to erect all 108 stupas in a single day.
- Impressive Dimensions: Each stupa stands 15 metres tall.
- Strategic Layout: The stupas are spaced 108 metres apart, stretching across an 11.7 kilometre expanse along the Aie (Mau) River.
- Location: The site is situated within the Gelephu Mindfulness City, located near the border with Assam.
Strengthening Bilateral Bonds
Beyond the spiritual ceremony, the visit served as a platform for high-level diplomatic engagement. Minister Rijiju met with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Gelephu for discussions that were described as "warm and very positive."
The leaders focused on the immense potential of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and how it could benefit both nations. Rijiju reaffirmed that India remains a steadfast partner in Bhutan’s journey toward growth and prosperity.
This event highlights the healthy trend of cooperation between India and Bhutan, which spans several critical sectors including:
- Trade and Investment
- Energy and Connectivity
- Development Cooperation
- Deep Cultural Connections
Minister Rijiju's visit to Bhutan, spanning from October 31 to November 2, concludes with a reinforced sense of mutual respect and a shared vision for a prosperous future.