𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚’𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆

By Sonam Choden

From its inception, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) volunteer initiative has emerged as one of the country’s most inspiring national movements, bringing together citizens across generations, professions, and regions in service to His Majesty the King’s vision for a mindful and sustainable future. What began as a small-scale civic effort has grown into a nationwide movement, demonstrating how collective action and shared responsibility can translate a national vision into reality.

The initiative has unfolded in four distinct phases, each marked by increasing participation and deepening commitment. In the first phase, approximately 2,000 volunteers focused on foundational tasks, including clearing land, establishing essential routes, and mobilizing communities. By the second phase, the volunteer count rose to around 7,000, contributing to landscaping, waste management, and the restoration of public spaces. The third phase maintained this momentum, reflecting strong coordination and engagement among over 7,000 participants.

The fourth and current phase, launched on 23 December 2025, has reached a historic peak with over 8,000 volunteers from all 20 Dzongkhags, marking the largest turnout in the programme’s history. Across these phases, the GMC initiative has not only transformed physical spaces but has reinforced civic unity and a shared sense of purpose.

Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City, has guided volunteers throughout the initiative. He said the project represents more than urban development and is a spiritual and social journey aligned with His Majesty the King’s vision. Reflecting on the King’s 118th National Day address in Bumthang, he recalled the question posed to the nation, “Can you do it?” and emphasized that the overwhelming volunteer turnout was a resounding affirmation: “Yes, we can do it together.” He also stressed that GMC’s growth is guided by careful planning, environmental balance, and sustainable land use to benefit future generations.

A defining feature of the GMC initiative is the diversity of its participants. Former ministers, senior civil servants, monks and nuns, Desuups, students, corporate teams, and villagers have worked side by side, exemplifying equality and shared purpose. The initiative reflects not only civic duty but also the lived experience of Gross National Happiness, bringing together citizens from all walks of life in service to the nation.

The scope of volunteer activities has expanded with each phase. Initial tasks focused on bush clearing and waste management, while later efforts included park landscaping, tree planting, and the development of the sacred trekking trail connecting Jigmeling to Ritey Ney, a site associated with Guru Rinpoche. Plans to extend the trail toward Bumthang integrate Bhutan’s spiritual heritage with its environmental vision. Desuups and Pelsuups played key roles in ensuring safety and logistics, while local communities supported volunteers with meals and encouragement, fostering a sense of collective ownership and pride.

Individual volunteers have shared personal reflections on the significance of their participation. Sarmilla Chhetri, Regional Manager of Bhutan Post in Gelephu, said contributing to His Majesty’s vision means serving Tsa-Wa-Sum- her King, country, and people in her own small way, and she feels beyond blessed and lucky to do so. She encouraged fellow citizens to always believe in His Majesty’s vision for GMC and to help, support, and pray together in fulfilling this holy vision. A former journalist echoed this sentiment, explaining that several of his batchmates had volunteered, so he decided to join as well, and he is glad he did. His reflections emphasize how the initiative fosters national unity and shared purpose even among peers.

For volunteers such as Dawa Gyeltshen, participation represents a contribution to history. He reflected that as a project led by His Majesty, even a small contribution can play a part in nation-building and benefit future generations. He emphasized that civic engagement, even on a modest scale, strengthens communal identity and civic pride. Participation in initiatives like GMC connects citizens to larger historical and social narratives, allowing even small acts of service to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and community cohesion.

Dr Ugyen Tshewang, Director of the Bhutan Qualification and Professional Certification Authority, said his motivation to volunteer for the GMC stemmed from a sense of responsibility and gratitude. He added that working alongside fellow Bhutanese was both humbling and inspiring, reminding him that nation-building begins with collective effort, however small each contribution may be. He described contributing to His Majesty’s vision for GMC as deeply meaningful, noting that the project reflects a future where economic progress, environmental harmony, and human wellbeing are balanced. Encouraging others to join such efforts, he urged Bhutanese to view volunteering not as an obligation, but as an opportunity—to connect, to serve, and to contribute to something enduring.

The tangible outcomes of the GMC volunteer programme include restored public spaces, improved access to sacred sites, and expanded trails. Beyond physical improvements, the initiative has strengthened Bhutan’s spirit of unity and service. Former ministers and students working side by side, sharing laughter amid hard work, exemplify the egalitarian ethos at the heart of the initiative.

The GMC volunteer initiative stands as a living expression of the country’s national values, encompassing service, sustainability, and spiritual responsibility. By engaging thousands of citizens in meaningful acts of collective service, the initiative has transformed both physical landscapes and social consciousness. It demonstrates that development in Bhutan is not merely a governmental project but a shared civic and moral journey, sustained by the dedication, mindfulness, and action of ordinary citizens committed to fulfilling His Majesty the King’s visionary aspirations.