In a unique gesture of group bonding, around 80 Rotaractors from over 20 clubs in RI District 3240 recently undertook a one-day trip from Assam to the Gelephu area of Bhutan, taking advantage of special travel rules for Indians visiting Bhutan for a short spell.
RID 3240 IPDRR Kumar Shivam Das, who organised the trip, from Bongaigaon in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan says the trip, barely a 45-minute drive, turned out to be a memorable experience for all the Rotaractors.
For Indian visitors, the Bhutan government allows travel to a 10km periphery in the Gelephu township, which is absolutely beautiful with mountains, waterfalls, lots of greenery, hot springs etc. This region is on the border with Assam, and for a distance of about 8–10km Indian travellers can remain for 24 hours without permit for entering Bhutan. Just registration with ID cards at the Immigration point is required.
Gushing about “the first ever international trip for Rotaractors from Distrct 3240,” Das said this trip was organised by the Rotaract District 3240 team (2025–26), with a lot of the groundwork done by the Rotaract Club of Bongaigaon, Assam. It was made possible, thanks to an awards ceremony for the Rotaractors of RID 3240 that was organised in Bhutan. Around 130 people participated in that event; the district has a membership of around 850 Rotaractrs. “It turned out to be an unforgettable trip and a journey filled with mountains, culture, spirituality and unforgettable companionship. The landscape of Gelephu is so serene and beautiful that we feel other Rotaractors should also experience this place by undertaking such a trip.”
The cost was next to nothing… just the registration fee of ₹749, but the experience was one to die for. “From the divine calm of Yagyaswar Shiv Mandir, where prayers echoed amidst peaceful hills, to the breathtaking beauty of Serzhong Gewog, every destination in Gelephu carried a story of simplicity and harmony. Crossing the scenic Passang Zam felt like walking through a bridge of memories, connecting hearts through laughter, conversations, and shared moments,” says Das.
On their most memorable moments from this experience, Das, who works with the food safety department of the Assam government, adds that more than a trip, “it was a collection of moments that will forever remain close to our hearts. Of the 80, for more than 60 participants it was their first international trip. The whole experience was mesmerising. The vibrant lanes of Gelephu Market welcomed us with the warmth of Bhutanese culture, local smiles, and colourful traditions that made every moment feel alive. Beyond sightseeing, this tour became a celebration of friendship, unity, and the spirit of fellowship that Rotaract stands for.”
The group included a president nominee and general secretary from the South Asian MDIO (Multidistrict Information Organisation), which is a term for a regional group made up of two or more Rotary districts. Its main job is to help clubs share news and build communication. The cost was so nominal — barely ₹750 — as it only included the transportation and food; an everlasting memory will be breakfast by the riverside as soon as they reached their destination. Lunch was also planned there but the rains spoiled that plan and they halted at a restaurant for lunch.
The outgoing DRR, who has already become a Rotarian joining the Rotary Club of Northeast Catalyst, is ecstatic about the beautiful opportunity this trip provided the different members of the 20-odd Rotaract clubs to connect, bond, have meaningful conversations and make beautiful memories. “I think that when we have such a beautiful destination so close to our country, we should definitely visit it. And I was very keen to plan this trip because this region, so close to our district, has never been explored over the years by our Rotaractors. After all, Bhutan is such a beautiful country.” The deciding factors, apart from its proximity, were the low cost and no need to get a permit or visa, which is often a hassle.
When he keeps saying this was a golden opportunity for the Rotaractors to have meaningful conversations and make connections, I ask if the young are indeed interested in serious conversations. “Oh yes, they are. For instance, people generally think that the younger generation is not into visiting temples. But you’d be surprised to know that the group took much interest in visiting the Yagyaswar Shiv Mandir… because however young or old, at the end of the day we all need peace.”
On his takeaway from his year as DRR, this 28-year-old says philosophically, “My main intention was that as a DRR, through the 365-day journey, I did not want to just run and reach the finishing line. I wanted to walk with all my Rotaractors, my batchmates, my seniors, juniors, everyone. I felt we should just walk, meet people, and at the end come together at the finish line. Because no individual can achieve much alone. He/she needs to involve everyone.”
On how many from his district will eventually join Rotary, Das says that out of the 80 on the Bhutan trip, 25 had already joined Rotary. This district, he adds, has 56 Rotaract clubs, with most being community clubs and barely 5–6 university-based clubs. During his tenure as DRR, he says proudly, 17 new clubs were added.
On the kind of dialogues that Rotaractors have and if they talk seriously about their future, Das says, “Of course they are very serious about such issues.” The district leadership is already holding talks with companies about internship and job opportunities for these youngsters, as it is fully aware that only by giving such opportunities to their members, can they expect their membership to sustain or grow. A DPR (detailed project report) is being prepared on this aspect, he adds.
Asked if trips such as the one they undertook to Bhutan will be replicated, Das smiles and nods. Thanks to the South Asia MDIO representatives who participated in this trip, at a recent Rotaract awards event in Bengaluru, where 45 South Asian Rotaract districts participated, the MDIO president-elect shared his experience in Gelephu with the entire group, and said such beautiful trips provide a valuable bonding opportunities to the Rotaractors.
While the Bhutan trip was done in May, more recently, another group visited Arunachal Pradesh, “which falls in zone 4 of the five zones we have in our district. The people of our district are so diverse, and zone 4 has only two clubs. So I accompanied those members for a trip to Namsai in Arunachal for another memorable trip.”