Thousands volunteer in Gelephu to honour His Majesty’s vision of GMC
KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Gelephu
In a remarkable display of civic spirit, over 16,000 volunteers from all walks of life have converged in Gelephu to contribute their time and labour toward the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a transformative initiative envisioned by His Majesty the King.
The gathering coincided with the 46th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, reflecting a celebration rooted not in festivity alone, but in service.
The fifth round of the volunteer Zhabtog, (community service) held from 21–25 February 2026, brought together more than 16,000 active participants, while over 12,000 registered volunteers joined the initiative, drawing thousands of Bhutanese—young and old, city dwellers and villagers alike—to Gelephu.
The five-day voluntary work programme marks the fifth nationwide effort in support of the GMC project.
Volunteers from diverse backgrounds are engaged in activities ranging from environmental restoration and land clearing to habitat enrichment and infrastructure preparation.
“This is not just another development project. It represents the future direction of our country. When I stand here working alongside thousands of others, I feel like I am contributing to something much larger than myself,” said Thinley Wangchuk, 27, from Thimphu, who returned to volunteer after participating in an earlier round.
Participating during His Majesty’s Birth Anniversary, he added, makes the experience especially meaningful.
“There are many ways to celebrate, but contributing physically feels like the sincerest expression of gratitude. Instead of only offering prayers and wishes, we are offering our effort,” he said.
For 27-year-old Tshewang Lhamo from Trashiyangtse, this is her first time volunteering in Gelephu. Having previously followed project updates through social media and local news, she said she could no longer remain a spectator.
“I didn’t want to keep watching from a distance,” she said. “I told myself that if I had the opportunity again, I would definitely come.”
She described the journey as long but worthwhile, emphasising the significance of turning admiration into action.
She added His Majesty has always encouraged them to take responsibility for our country’s future. “This is one way of doing that. Even if it’s just a few days of labour, it shows that we care.”
20-year-old college student Sonam Wangmo from Punakha said, initially, she was worried the work would be too difficult. “But once we started, everyone supported each other. When someone gets tired, another steps in. It doesn’t feel like individual work—it feels collective.”
For Sonam Wangmo, the experience has reshaped her understanding of civic responsibility. “In school, we learn about citizenship and nation-building in theory,” she said. “Here, you actually feel what that means.”
Farmers from surrounding gewogs have also joined the initiative. Pema Choden, 45, from Gelephu, said participation felt natural.
“We depend on the land for our livelihood. When we hear about a project that aims to develop our region sustainably, we want to be part of it,” she said, stressing that local involvement is key to long-term success. “If people feel ownership from the beginning, they will protect and support the project in the future.”
Dechen Lhamo, 38, a small business owner from Paro, closed her shop for a few days to take part. “My children will grow up in the Bhutan that GMC helps shape,” she said. “I want to tell them one day that I helped in some small way.”
She described the atmosphere as inspiring: “You see people from every corner of the country—different ages, professions, and backgrounds—working side by side. It reminds you that development is not just the government’s responsibility. It belongs to all of us.”
Organizers have carefully deployed volunteers across multiple sites to ensure efficiency and safety.
Tasks include clearing invasive plant species, improving drainage systems, preparing land for grass planting, and creating buffer zones along designated areas. The scale of participation reflects strong national engagement with the project.
Despite the demanding schedule, morale remains high. Volunteers start their day early with briefings before dispersing to assigned sites. By midday, sweat and dust streak faces, yet conversations remain animated.
Shared meals and rest breaks provide moments of camaraderie, reinforcing a sense of unity that transcends geography.
Many participants expressed hope that the spirit of volunteerism witnessed in Gelephu will extend to future initiatives.
“When people see thousands coming together without expecting anything in return, it shows the strength of our values,” Pema Choden said. “GMC belongs to every Bhutanese. If we each contribute what we can, no matter how small, we are building the future together.”
As the nation marks His Majesty’s Birth Anniversary, the steady rhythm of tools striking the earth in Gelephu carries its own quiet symbolism.
In the sweat-streaked determination of students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and civil servants from all walks of life, a shared vision advances steadily.
Through collective effort and unwavering commitment, the foundations of Gelephu Mindfulness City are being shaped—not only by plans and policies, but by the hands of thousands who have chosen to serve.
