Arya News - Drawn from across the country, volunteers converged on the southern foothills in what organisers described as an unprecedented show of national participation.
GELEPHU – More than 16,000 registered volunteers gathered in Gelephu from February 21 to 25 for the fifth round of voluntary service supporting the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), in what is the largest public mobilisation since the initiative began.
Drawn from across the country, volunteers converged on the southern foothills in what organisers described as an unprecedented show of national participation. The programme coincided with the 46th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King, lending added significance to the five-day effort.
Members of the Royal Family joined volunteers on the ground, working alongside them in the heat and dust. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo was seen operating a JCB earthmover on the opening day, clearing land alongside participants, an image that quickly became emblematic of the spirit of the programme.
Over five days, volunteers worked across 577.866 acres, carrying out habitat enrichment, plantation, and land development.
The scale of the undertaking required extensive co-ordination, but morale remained high throughout. All the volunteers worked tirelessly, driven by their commitment to contribute meaningfully to His Majesty’s vision for the GMC.
Sacred landmarks take shape
Alongside the physical work on the land, significant religious milestones were observed, reinforcing the spiritual foundations of the GMC.
A major highlight was the consecration of the Ugyen Norlha Choeten by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, in the presence of His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, Their Majesties the Gyalyums, His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, and members of the Royal Family.
The Choeten, one of the first spiritual projects completed under GMC, commemorates the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.
Built at Namkhaling near the Bhutan–India border gate, it stands as a prominent gateway to GMC and showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Dedicated to Ugyen Norlha, the deity of wealth, it symbolises the vision of economic growth guided by mindfulness and sustainability.
The two-storey structure houses significant sacred relics and Buddhist texts, and is intended to serve as an important cultural and spiritual landmark in what is envisioned as the Vajrayana capital of the world.
During the first day of the voluntary service, His Majesty also announced that preparations would begin for the construction of 108 stupas in GMC. Each stupa will stand 15 metres high, equivalent to five storeys. His Majesty commanded that all 108 stupas be completed in a single day, with 300 workers assigned to each structure. His Majesty stated that while this would be a great task, it would underscore the dedication, resilience, and commitment of the Bhutanese people.
Their Majesties and Members of the Royal Family also graced the installation of the Rabsey at Genyen Neykhang in Phulari. The Genyen Neykhang, built upon the Royal Command of His Majesty the King, commenced construction in June last year and is modelled after Dechenphu Lhakhang in Thimphu. It is envisioned as a cornerstone among the sacred landmarks of the GMC, strengthening the spiritual character of the project.
Round-the-clock service in the kitchens
Behind the scenes, logistical operations ran around the clock. A team of 230 desuups and 11 Royal Bhutan Army personnel worked in shifts to prepare meals, manage firewood, and deliver food to thousands of volunteers daily.
Operating 24 hours a day in organised shifts, the team maintained efficiency, hygiene, and punctuality despite the scale of the task.
The Governor’s Office, GMC, and the Desuung Head Office provided constant supervision and logistical backing. Morale remained high, and every task was carried out with sincerity, discipline, and teamwork, reflecting an unwavering commitment.
Evening celebrations at Mao riverside
After long hours of labour, volunteers gathered at the Mao riverside to relax and unwind. To commemorate the 46th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King, musical shows were hosted featuring a diverse line-up of Bhutanese artists.
Hundreds of volunteers and residents came together in a warm and joyful setting. Food stalls and music created a lively ambience. The celebrations honoured His Majesty’s birthday while reflecting the unity and collective spirit that define the nation.