The third batch of volunteers at the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) may be diverse in their backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Yet, from the spirited youth of 12, to the wise elders of 71, their hearts beat as one—bound by unwavering love for our King, deep pride in our homeland, and steadfast faith in a shared vision.
Each volunteer—be they monk or Tshogpa, parent or child—stands as a living testament to Bhutan’s quiet revolution: a nation united under the King’s vision, growing stronger with every blade of grass, every heartbeat, every act of service. Together, they embody the enduring spirit of a people who honor their past, embrace the present, and shape the future.
Bel Kumar Rai — “A Stake for the Nation”
For 32-year-old Bel Kumar Rai from Dopuchen, Phuentsholing, stepping onto the dusty, sun-scorched fields of GMC was more than an act of service — it was a personal milestone. A small canteen owner and a father of two, Bel entrusted his wife with their family business and volunteered for what he calls “my stake in the country.”
“The thought of volunteering came calling from the first batch itself,” he shared, wiping the sweat from his brow as the sun blazed at 37 degrees. “But with a young family and no secure job, I couldn’t come earlier. This time, I made up my mind.”
With each swing of his sickle through the thick grass, Bel carries quiet pride. “I know I have been a delightful Desuup, but even more is my pledge and humility towards our beloved King and the future of our nation,” he says. For him, GMC is more than a construction site — it’s a canvas of dreams taking shape.
Karma Jamtsho — “Where Every Blade of Grass is Blessed”
Karma Jamtsho, a 43-year-old monk leading 20 nuns from Wamrong Samtencholing Ani Goenpa, Trashigang said GMC is “a sacred place where devotion meets purpose.” His group came through the Bhutan Nuns Foundation, fulfilling a long-held wish to volunteer for His Majesty’s vision.
“We were inclined to come from the very first batch, but couldn’t register. Now that we are here, our excitement has quadrupled,” Karma says, his voice rising with joy. “The place itself is blessed — in every step we take, every air we breathe, in every drop of water, in every blade of grass we sickle.”
For Karma, GMC isn’t just a national project — it’s a spiritual journey, a chance to turn devotion into action.
Kharananda Khatiwara — “A Life of Service, Fulfilled”
At 69, Kharananda Khatiwara, Tshogpa of Pelrithang Khamaed in Gelephu towers both in height and spirit. Having served his community for over three decades, he moves between groups of volunteers with the energy of a much younger man — monitoring, working, and laughing along.
“I have always served my Kings and my nation with utmost dedication,” he says, his voice firm yet warm. “To witness such a profound development and an unprecedented royal vision during my lifetime is something I have always longed for. Now, I can die without regrets.”
With eyes glinting beneath a sun-worn brow, he adds, “Before I leave this world, I want our youth to know this story — of sacrifice, of jubilation, of how a King truly loved his people.”
Dhan Bdr. Rai — “Awakened to a Calling”
For 45-year-old Dhan Bdr. Rai from Dorona, Dagana, volunteering at GMC was not just a decision — it was an awakening. He admits that he missed the first two batches because he didn’t know how to register. But the images and stories shared online stirred something deep within him.
“Although my efforts may make little or no difference, I am content with the journey I have taken,” he reflects. “The burning desire and purpose I’ve seen here among volunteers is beyond words. This is something bigger than us.”
Dhan now plans to keep returning for future batches. His eyes carry a quiet conviction — he has found his place in the nation’s unfolding story.
Nar Bdr. Pulami Monger — “A Life Well Lived”
71-year-old Nar Bdr. Pulami Monger from Dovan Monger Gaon, Sarpang, may be the oldest volunteer in the third phase, but age has not dulled his determination. “I’ve crossed rivers and climbed mountains in my youth,” he says, his voice strong. “I can still do it for my King and my country.”
He calls this moment his “life’s calling” — a culmination of years of service and love for the nation. “It is not every day we get to witness a project of this magnitude. I am beyond blessed to have availed this opportunity. This is what I call a life well lived.”
Nidup Zangmo — “The Youngest Flame”
Just 12, Nidup Zangmo is the youngest volunteer of the batch. From her retreat at Trashigang Wamrong Samtencholing Ani Goenpa, she came with a group of 20 nuns — not because anyone told her to, but because she wanted to.
“Our God King has done so much for us and our country. I will do anything I can in return,” she says softly in Sharchop, folding her arms in reverence. “This is just a small contribution, but I know that every drop of sweat is part of something majestic.”
Nidup carries a maturity far beyond her age. “I will share what I’ve learned with my community,” she adds with quiet confidence. “The seeds we sow together here will inspire millions one day.”
These volunteers are but a part of the thousands who have gathered at Gelephu, all singing the same song, beating to the same rhythm. GMC is not rising merely from steel and stone—it is being built with hands calloused by selfless service, with prayers whispered in devotion, and with dreams carried across valleys and mountains.
And every brick laid, every gesture of service, and every whispered prayer is a testament to the spirit of Bhutan: a nation forged by unity, guided by the King’s vision, and nurtured by the unwavering love and dedication of its people.
Tashi Namgyal
From Thimphu
