Kokrajhar : Bhutan’s Queen Mother, Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, on Tuesday highlighted the unifying power of culture and shared values while accepting the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025, at a ceremony in Kokrajhar.

The award was conferred on the Queen Mother by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium of Bodoland University, in recognition of her lifelong contributions to humanitarian service, cultural preservation, women’s empowerment and compassionate leadership.

Presenting the award, the Governor said the occasion reaffirmed a collective commitment to human dignity, compassion, moral values and social justice. “It is a privilege to welcome the Queen Mother on behalf of the people of Assam,” he said.

Accepting the honour, Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck reflected on the enduring friendship between Bhutan and Assam and underscored the role of culture in fostering meaningful human connections. She said high-level exchanges, including the visit of the Assam Chief Minister to Bhutan in 2024, have helped strengthen trust and cooperation between the two regions.

“Friendships, when nurtured with care, blossom into trust and meaningful collaboration,” the Queen Mother said, emphasising that culture plays a central role in nurturing unity and shared purpose.

She also spoke about Bhutan’s future vision, particularly the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, describing it as an initiative aimed at balancing economic vitality with spiritual harmony. “This city is envisioned as a sacred space where green innovation thrives alongside timeless values, and where young people can pursue their aspirations,” she said.

The Queen Mother added that the heritage of the Bodo people and Bhutan’s cultural ethos would naturally converge through such initiatives, fostering sustainable prosperity and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two regions.

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Hagrama Mohilary, speaking at the event, said the award went beyond individual recognition and served as a reminder of society’s collective responsibility towards human well-being. He noted that Bodoland and Bhutan share deep historical and cultural links, shaped by shared rivers, traditions and mutual respect.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Gelephu Mindfulness City Governor Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, Assam Handloom and Textiles Minister U G Brahma, former BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, and other senior officials and community leaders.