The recent visit of Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, to Assam marks a cherished moment in the enduring friendship between our two nations. On February 3, 2026, Her Majesty graced Bodoland University in Kokrajhar, in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region, where she was conferred the prestigious 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025.
This honour, bestowed by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust, recognizes Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian service, compassionate leadership, social welfare, cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and the upliftment of the less fortunate. As the first Queen of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Her Majesty has exemplified grace, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of people, both within Bhutan and beyond our borders.
The ceremony took place at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium, attended by distinguished guests including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who presented the award, and Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Hagrama Mohilary. Governor Acharya warmly welcomed Her Majesty, describing her presence as a privilege for the people of Assam and a symbol of the deep, historic, and unbreakable ties between India and Bhutan—with Assam serving as a vital bridge in this special relationship. He highlighted how Her Majesty’s contributions resonate with the human-centric vision of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, whose legacy the award commemorates, and noted the alignment between Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy and the values championed by the Bodoland leader.
In her gracious acceptance, Her Majesty expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. She emphasized the nurturing power of culture in fostering unity and shared prosperity. Speaking of Bhutan’s forward-looking initiatives, Her Majesty highlighted the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, envisioning it as a sacred space where economic progress harmonizes with spiritual well-being, green innovation, and timeless values. She noted that the rich heritage of the Bodo people and Bhutan’s ethos would naturally converge in this vision, promoting sustainable development and strengthening bonds of friendship across borders.
The visit, though brief, carried profound significance. It underscored the warmth and mutual respect that define Indo-Bhutan relations, rooted in shared history, geography, and values. From the enthusiastic welcome extended by the people of Assam to the dignified ceremony, the occasion reflected the deep affection our neighbours hold for Bhutan and its Royal Family.
We feel immense pride in Her Majesty’s grace and the positive light she cast on our nation during this visit. May such exchanges continue to deepen understanding, cooperation, and goodwill between our two countries for generations to come.
