Gelephu sizzles under the late-summer sun, yet not a single brow falters. Seven thousand and fifty Bhutanese, from different corners of the kingdom and every walk of life, have gathered; not for recognition, not for applause, but for a cause far greater than themselves. In their eyes burns a shared fire: a determination to transform His Majesty’s visionary ideas into tangible reality. Each volunteer carries the weight, and the honor, of contributing to a legacy that will ripple through generations, shaping the very soul of Bhutan. And joining them is the very source of their inspiration and commitment – His Majesty the King.
Among the volunteers is Sangay Dema, a young enthusiast from Gelephu, who reflected on the profound meaning of the experience. “People from every walk of life have come together. From the first light of dawn to the fading glow of evening, we’ve been clearing bushes under the sweltering heat. Yet, every moment makes me feel a deeper connection to my country,” she shared. “It is a true honor to be part of His Majesty’s vision. Witnessing the transformation of these spaces inspires me to give more. Knowing that even my smallest contribution can serve my nation fills me with a sense of purpose and empowerment.”
Though words differed, the essence was the same in what the reflections of Tashi Namgay, Executive Director of the Bhutan Kidney Foundation. “It is a profound honor to be entrusted with the chance to serve through GMC. Our hearts are stirred and our resolve strengthened, inspired by His Majesty’s tireless devotion—unceasing, often without rest, dedicated wholly to the welfare of the people. To witness such selfless leadership is both humbling and empowering, driving us to give our very best in service to our nation.”
Capturing the spirit of GMC: a unifying force, a historic undertaking, and a living testament to the people’s devotion to His Majesty’s visionary guidance are the words from two women leaders, Dorji Wangmo, Member of the National Assembly from Khenkar-Weringla, and Kezang Chuki Dorjee, Eminent member of the National Council. Both expressed the profound honor of being part of the historic GMC initiative.
“I am deeply honored and privileged to volunteer, contribute, and be part of history in the making at GMC,” said Dorji Wangmo. “Even playing a very small role in this noble endeavor carries immense meaning, as we work together to realize His Majesty’s vision for our nation and future generations. We are blessed with the extraordinary foresight and leadership of His Majesty The King, and it is our duty and privilege as citizens to uphold and advance that vision.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kezang Chuki Dorjee said, “Being here in Gelephu, joining thousands of fellow Bhutanese, is a true honor. I am here not only as a representative of my institution but also on behalf of my family. To be part of GMC is to witness history unfolding – a legacy that will bring enduring benefits to generations yet to come.”
The same sentiment is echoed by Rinchen Wangmo, an employee of Bhutan NDI, who, like many others, journeyed all the way from Thimphu. Grateful for the opportunity to serve His Majesty The King, even in a modest way as a representative of her company, she shared: “For me, this is not merely volunteering—it is a humble way of repaying His Majesty, who has always placed the well-being of his citizens above all else.”
As a recipient of a land kidu herself, Rinchen reflected, “I feel an even greater responsibility to give back in every way I can. I deeply believe that His Majesty’s vision of building GMC is a noble endeavor, one that will lay the foundation for a golden future for our younger generations. I am truly honored to contribute to this vision through my company.”
She added, “This is a rare and precious opportunity to give back, and it is profoundly inspiring to witness so many people working together with a shared purpose and unwavering dedication.”
Karma Sonam Yuden, an employee of Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), shared that His Majesty the King is her greatest source of inspiration. “My motivation springs from His Majesty and the noble responsibility of serving our nation. I am immensely proud to volunteer alongside nearly 400 DHI colleagues. Together, we are clearing land for the future parks of Gelephu, contributing to the realization of the nation’s vision. Volunteering fills me with pride and a deep sense of connection. It strengthens my bond with our country and brings me profound joy to serve Bhutan hand in hand with my colleagues.”
Gangay Ram Ghalley from Gelephu, who has been actively organizing, guiding participants, preparing spaces, and encouraging youth involvement, expressed, “It is a true honor to be here at GMC, standing alongside thousands of fellow Bhutanese on this historic occasion.”
He continued, “I am here not only as a representative of my institution but also for my family. Being part of GMC feels like witnessing history in the making—a legacy that will benefit generations to come. I have been profoundly inspired by His Majesty’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to such a transformative and historic initiative compelled me to volunteer for the second phase. It is both my responsibility and my privilege as a Bhutanese citizen to be part of this remarkable journey.”
Meanwhile, His Majesty The King personally joined the ranks of volunteers in the field, working shoulder to shoulder with citizens to transform and enrich the public spaces and parks of GMC. Addressing the volunteers, His Majesty conveyed profound gratitude for their dedication, declaring that the GMC embodies the “collective aspiration of the people of Bhutan” and affirming that their selfless service will leave an enduring legacy for generations yet to come.
The mass engagement program was designed in response to overwhelming nationwide interest in contributing to the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, envisioned as a model city rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and national pride.
The program opened on September 4, 2025 and will conclude on September 8, 2-025. Volunteers are working under expert coordinators to clean and clear areas designated for parks, install benches, water points, and toilets, and beautify various parts of the city. Participants have been divided into groups and assigned specific areas to work on, including Central Park and other locations. Teams have been clearing undergrowth, installing benches, hydration points, toilets, and rain shelters.
Volunteers consist of people who have travelled from different parts of the country, residents of Gelephu and nearby areas, Gyalsups, and Desuups. Members of Parliament, officials from various agencies, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) and its companies, the Bhutan Red Cross, judiciary, NGOs, and community groups from Tsirang, Dagana, Pemathang, Phuentsholing, Trong, Mendrelgang, and Nganglam.
Nidup Lhamo from Thimphu
