FICCIFLO, under the leadership of 42nd National President, Ms. Poonam Sharma, led a Sustainable Study Delegation to Bhutan from October 23–26, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, women’s entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation.
The 36-member delegation, led by Puja Garg, National Senior Vice President, and curated by Smriti Puri, National Treasurer, engaged with senior Bhutanese leaders, institutions, and entrepreneurs to learn from Bhutan’s globally admired model of Sustainable Development, Controlled Tourism, and Gross National Happiness (GNH).
The delegation included Past Presidents Dr. Harjinder Kaur Talwar and Ujjwala Singhania, National Joint Treasurer Suguna Ravichandran, and Chapter Chairs Mona Singh and Pratibha Kunda. Also, part of the delegation were Governing Body Members Kuwarani Ritu Singh, Ambar Paridhi Sahai, Minal Jain, Namrata Mishra, Ritika Sarna, Ruby Garg, and Sunita Kanoria. Their participation reflected the strength and diversity of FLO’s national leadership and its unified commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.
A highlight of the visit was a special audience with His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. His Majesty shared his vision for the Genephu Mindfulness City, a pioneering initiative integrating mindfulness, innovation, and sustainability, ideals that deeply resonate with FLO’s mission of responsible and inclusive growth.
“His Majesty’s vision for mindful living and sustainable progress truly inspired us. It beautifully aligns with FLO’s belief that women are the architects of a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Poonam Sharma, National President, FICCI FLO.
During the visit, the delegation also met with business leaders and policy experts to explore cross-border collaborations in green innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building. FICCI FLO had the privilege of felicitating two distinguished Bhutanese leaders for their contributions:
- Mr. Tandy Wangchuk, President, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) — for his leadership in promoting sustainable business practices.
- Ms. Damchae Dem, Founder & CEO, Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) — for her work in empowering women and fostering inclusive economic growth.
“FLO’s Bhutan initiative demonstrates the power of women-led collaboration in shaping a more connected and conscious region,” said Puja Garg, Senior Vice President, FICCI FLO.
“This visit was about action and alliance — connecting women entrepreneurs and driving meaningful partnerships rooted in sustainability,” noted Smriti Puri, National Treasurer and Program Curator.
“Education and well-being are essential to building bridges of growth between our nations,” added Ritu Singh, Governing Body Member, FICCI FLO.
Since its inception in 1983, FICCI FLO has been India’s leading platform for women’s economic empowerment, with over 14,000 members across 21 chapters. Its work spans skill development, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, health, and leadership, impacting millions of women across the country.
Bhutan’s focus on happiness, balance, and environmental stewardship deeply resonates with FLO’s philosophy that economic empowerment must go hand in hand with emotional well-being. The delegation’s interactions underscored shared priorities — sustainability, women’s leadership, and community-based progress.
Looking ahead, FLO envisions working with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry to design initiatives that jointly:
- Strengthen women-led entrepreneurship and skill development.
- Promote green innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
- Foster leadership exchange between India and Bhutan.
The visit marks another milestone in FLO’s mission to build bridges through women-led diplomacy, purposeful leadership, and mindful growth, reaffirming the spirit of friendship between India and Bhutan.