United in Vision and Spirit

In Gelephu, history is being written not with pens or paper, but with hands, hearts, and collective purpose. 7,050 volunteers, representing every corner of Bhutanese society, have come together with a shared mission: to be part of history and contribute towards building the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). To put this in perspective, if Bhutan’s population is just 700,000, this means that one in every hundred Bhutanese is at Gelephu, giving their time, energy, and spirit to a shared vision. For a small nation, this figure is staggering, a testament to the extraordinary resilience, commitment, and unity of Bhutanese society, and to the leadership that inspires it.
Since his enthronement, His Majesty the King has shown what it means to lead with vision, humility, and unwavering dedication. Today, in Gelephu, that leadership is on full display. It is His Majesty’s guidance, the faith and trust we place in him, that has drawn thousands from diverse backgrounds to volunteer, united by a common purpose.
The gathering also represents something even deeper – it is the living proof of a social contract. During the National Day celebrations of 2023, His Majesty asked the nation if we were ready for transformation, ready to embrace GMC. That day, Bhutanese answered with a resounding “Yes.” Today, that pledge has been renewed; strengthened not merely in words, but in action and dedication.
We are motivated by a vision that reaches beyond our own lifetimes. We believe that our children deserve more than what we inherited from our forefathers. We aspire to leave them a Bhutan that is stronger, steadier, and a shining example to the world. GMC embodies that vision. Today, we see that our commitment is real.
Many of us have grown up hearing our parents recount their contributions; how they helped build Bhutan’s first roads, schools, and hospitals. Now, it is our turn. In the years to come, we will tell our children and grandchildren stories of this moment – of how thousands of Bhutanese, guided by their King, rallied together for the nation, transforming vision into reality, a moment when ordinary citizens became part of an extraordinary national journey.
If the world is watching us today, they are witnessing something extraordinary. They see not just a project, but a people united by purpose, guided by values, and driven by an unwavering spirit. They see why Bhutan is special. They know that we are a special country, because of the courage, commitment, and heart of its citizens. We have demonstrated the true spirit that defines us. It is a moment to stand tall with pride.
However, this is only the beginning. The path ahead is long, demanding, and with challenges that will test our resolve. It calls for the same unyielding energy, relentless zeal, and steadfast commitment that have carried us this far. There is no a moment to pause.
As His Majesty has reminded us time and again, “No” is never the answer. GMC is not just a vision; it is a destiny that must be realized. It will rise, not through the effort of a few, but through the collective strength, determination, and unity of all Bhutanese. When a nation moves as one – undaunted, fearless, and guided by foresight and courage – nothing is beyond reach. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity, every challenge a call to action, and every step forward a testament to what a united people, inspired by vision, can achieve.
The GMC is more than a city; it is a manifestation of our faith in one another, our commitment to the future, and our shared belief that together, Bhutan can achieve greatness that echoes through generations.