𝐍𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆

By Kezang Choden

A total of 28 Members of the National Assembly, led by the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition Party, along with officials from the National Assembly Secretariat, participated in a five-day voluntary service program at the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) site. They were joined by 11 Members of the National Council who also contributed to the volunteer work.

The program brought together people from diverse institutions, agencies, ministries, organizations, and local communities, all working together in support of His Majesty The King’s vision for the GMC. The project is envisioned as a model of mindfulness, sustainability, and progress, with potential benefits for Bhutan and the wider region in the years ahead.

The active involvement of parliamentarians reflected their support for the initiative and their commitment to serving the Tsa-Wa-Sum. Members of both Houses engaged in hands-on activities alongside other volunteers, promoting civic responsibility, service to the community, and the spirit of unity. Organizers said that the participation of elected representatives encouraged wider community involvement and highlighted the importance of collective effort. Volunteers at the site expressed appreciation for the presence of Members, noting that it reinforced values of solidarity, humility, and service. The initiative has created a platform for citizens and institutions to contribute toward building a mindful and sustainable city. More such programs are expected to be organized in the future, further strengthening community participation in one of the most significant national projects of this generation.

Dorji Wangmo, Member of Parliament from Kengkhar-Weringla Constituency, said that taking part in the volunteer service program for the Gelephu Mindfulness City has been one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences of her life. “As always, I thank His Majesty The King for giving us the opportunity to be part of such an extraordinary experience,” she said. She reflected on how the program demonstrated Bhutan’s spirit of unity and service. “It will only happen in Bhutan where more than 7,000 people from every corner of the country, young and old, men and women, people from all walks of life gather together in work clothes, armed with tools, ready to serve,” she said.

Volunteers worked in heat and rain, clearing bushes and contributing to the development of the GMC. According to the MP, the sense of collective effort was inspiring. “The energy, the unity, and the sense of purpose were incredible. It showed how powerful we can be when we come together for something bigger than ourselves,” she added. The initiative, which brought together Members of Parliament, the National Council, civil servants, and citizens, highlighted not only service to the nation but also the values of solidarity and devotion to the royal vision. The GMC project continues to represent hope for the future and reflects Bhutanese tradition of coming together in times of national importance.

Poonam Ghimirey, a resident of Chhudzom Gewog under Sarpang Dzongkhag, volunteered for the GMC project after the announcement from her gewog administration. She said she did not hesitate to give her time and energy to contribute to the initiative. “As a youth, I always felt the need to do something meaningful for my country. The GMC project is a vision that will benefit generations, and I am proud to be part of it,” she said. Poonam added that her parents were her greatest motivation. “My parents are happy that I am taking part. They always remind me that contributing to national projects is a responsibility as much as it is a privilege,” she said.

For Poonam, the experience is more than just helping. “I will continue to volunteer for the project in the future as well. The experience is rewarding, and it gives me a sense of purpose. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, makes me feel connected to the vision of His Majesty The King,” she said. The spirit of volunteerism has been a defining feature of the GMC initiative, with thousands of Bhutanese from across the country coming together to support the royal vision. Poonam’s story reflects the enthusiasm of the younger generation who view the project not only as a development activity but also as a movement symbolizing unity, service, and shared responsibility.

Ugyen Phuntsho, a former army personnel from Kencholing Chiwog in Shompangkha Gewog under Sarpang Dzongkhag, pledged his continued service through the GMC project. Having served in the army, he said his sense of duty did not end with retirement. “The work is very challenging, but whenever I recall the words of His Majesty The King, I regain my strength and energy to continue working alongside the community. I may not be able to see the project completed in my lifetime, but I am committed because it is for the well-being of the country and for future generations,” he said.

Despite the physical demands, Ugyen Phuntsho remains determined to contribute in every possible way. He said that although he cannot offer much in financial terms, he will continue to lend his physical support to the project for as long as he is able. The GMC project, envisioned as a gift to the nation, has brought together people from different walks of life to volunteer their time and effort. For him, it represents not only an opportunity to serve but also a legacy of unity and collective responsibility. His dedication reflects the spirit of service and loyalty that continues to define Bhutanese society, where citizens contribute to national initiatives even after retirement.