Bhutan’s Mindfulness City delegation explores deeper ties with Assam at Royal Global University

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 11, 2025

In a move aimed at strengthening cross-border ties, a high-level delegation from Bhutan’s visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City project visited Assam Royal Global University (RGU) in Guwahati on Wednesday. The nine-member team engaged in discussions with senior university officials, exploring opportunities for collaboration rooted in the shared geography, culture, and development goals of Assam and Bhutan.

The Bhutanese team met 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 members of the university’s leadership.

Discussions revolved around the cultural and geographic closeness of Assam and Bhutan and how this natural affinity can serve as a foundation for partnerships in education, sustainability, and regional development. Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, a flagship initiative for sustainable urban living guided by mindfulness and well-being, served as an anchor for the conversations.

Delegation member Dasho Tashi Wangyal expressed optimism about Assam’s trajectory, commending the state’s progress in moving beyond its past challenges. He credited the current political leadership for fostering stability and praised the entrepreneurial energy of Assam’s business community. He also highlighted the enthusiasm of the region’s youth in pursuing skill development as a positive force for future growth.

Sustainability was a recurring theme, with the Bhutanese delegation emphasizing its importance in shaping any future initiatives. Joint efforts, they said, should focus on long-term, inclusive benefits for both regions, promoting environmental responsibility alongside economic and social progress.

Chancellor Dr. Pansari welcomed the delegation with a message of unity, quoting the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”The world is one family.” He voiced strong support for educational cooperation with Bhutan, especially in areas like human resource development, entrepreneurship, and cultural studies.

Before the discussions, the delegates were given a detailed tour of the Royal Global University campus, where they explored the institution’s academic infrastructure, research capabilities, and student facilities—underscoring the university’s readiness for global engagement.

Other prominent members of the Bhutanese delegation included Dasho Karma Tshiteem, Dasho Arun Kapur, Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, Consul General Jigme Thinlye Namgyal, and Sangay Wangdi—each contributing expertise from governance, education, and policy sectors.

The visit marks a meaningful step toward building a collaborative framework between Assam and Bhutan—one grounded in shared values, regional solidarity, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.