Sun Dec 01 12:26:21 UTC 2024: ## Bhutan Unveils Ambitious “Mindfulness City” with Indian Support
**NEW DELHI/THIMPHU –** Bhutan is forging ahead with its ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project, a massive cooperative initiative spanning 2,500 square kilometers, aiming to be a zero-carbon model focused on sustainability, mindfulness, and harmony. The project, highlighted at the recent Global Conference of the International Co-operative Alliance in New Delhi, has received significant support from India.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s assistance. The conference, inaugurated by Modi, drew over 3,000 delegates from 100 countries. Modi stressed the importance of global financial institutions backing cooperatives and their role in a circular economy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah further highlighted India’s commitment to cooperative development, announcing plans to establish over 200,000 new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies within three years to ensure village-level access to cooperative services.
Tobgay described Gelephu Mindfulness City as a hub for knowledge, technology, and finance, emphasizing that every Bhutanese citizen will be a shareholder and stakeholder. This innovative approach underscores Bhutan’s commitment to a cooperative model. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s two recent visits to India underscore the nation’s proactive pursuit of investment and collaborations in infrastructure, hospitality, education, IT, and wellness sectors for the project. Tobgay’s fourth visit to India this year included meetings with the Adani Group to discuss renewable energy and infrastructure partnerships for the city. Despite challenges faced by Adani projects elsewhere, Bhutan remains focused on its collaboration with India and the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
First Piper 