NATIONAL DAY
On December 17, 2024, Bhutan will joyously celebrate its 117th National Day. This day holds immense significance for the Bhutanese people, symbolizing unity and bringing together in mind, body and soul the three precious gems of Bhutan – the Tsawa Sum – King, Country, and People. As we reflect on Bhutan’s journey since the establishment of the monarchy with the enthronement of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of the Wangchuck Dynasty in 1907, it is important to acknowledge the recent, unprecedented Royal initiatives shaping the future of the nation and its people. Among these initiatives, the establishment of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation, blending Bhutan’s ancient wisdom with contemporary global challenges.
During the 116th National Day Celebration at Changlingmithang, His Majesty The King in the Royal Address to the Nation, unveiled the plan to establish the GMC. This initiative set the stage for a journey toward a more prosperous, happier, and mindful Bhutan and world. The Royal Address concluded with a resounding affirmative “Yes” from all Bhutanese, represented in person by those present at the stadium, in response to His Majesty The King’s emphatic call to the Nation: “Are you ready to shoulder this responsibility with me?”
NATION BRAND & GMC
I would like to humbly Believe that the Royal Address calls upon the Bhutanese people to “Believe” in this unprecedented undertaking. Believe to join hands and hearts, work tirelessly, and pave the road to a future where the GMC becomes the hub for South Asia and a gateway connecting Bhutan to the world and, more importantly, Bhutan to sustainable prosperity.
The nation brand, Bhutan Believe, launched a year prior to the GMC in September 2022, reflects and represents the profound spirit and visionary journey characterizing the ongoing transformation of our Kingdom highlighted by the GMC. The essences of Bhutan Believe aligns perfectly with the vision of the GMC, as presented below.
Believe in Future: “This kingdom is steeped in history, but our gaze is fixed on the future. The future requires us to protect and preserve our heritage but also to forge new pathways leading forthcoming generations to fresh possibilities. This is our moment of evolution; a moment devoted to ensuring that the opportunities our young people seek are found, and realized, here. Our ancestors gave us roots. Now, we help our descendants take wing.” This too is GMC.
Believe in our worth: “We are caretakers of a precious place and a rich, irreplaceable culture. Our shared responsibility, which we owe to future generations, is to preserve and enhance it. Our task is to balance welcome with prudence, and access with protection. It requires an investment. This is not to shut people out but to safeguard the wonders within.” This too is GMC .
Believe in our elevated values: “Few people experience Bhutan. It is hard to reach us, perched high up here in the Himalayas. Those who seek us out are called here. They are called by the promise of a place and pace – unlike any other. Drawn to become guests and guardians, rather than tourists. To experience life where beliefs are every day and extraordinary, and where values are lived. In return, they become part of our story, and we theirs.” This too is GMC.
Believe in ourselves: “We are a small nation, but our self-belief is great. When we come together, we are capable of moving mountains. The proof is in our culture: diverse, continuous, storied. The capacity is in our character: dependable, adaptable, ingenious. We see a bright future enabled by humanity’s highest ideals and collective effort. We believe in our ability and responsibility to realize it. Together, may we shine as a beacon of bright possibility in the world.” This too is GMC.
Believe in our nature: “Nature shows us the way: change, adaptation, tenacity – and evolution. We are guardians of some of the world’s most pristine, wild, and sacred places. They are also vulnerable. They are essential to our culture, ecosystems, watersheds, and spirits. In our built and busy world, they are a vital counterbalance. They are a gateway to the expansive experiences we humans fundamentally need. We are steadfast as the cypress in our commitment to protect our natural environment.” This too is GMC.
I would like to believe that GMC has infused two additional essences into Bhutan Believe, namely, and our Spiritual Heritage and our Youth.
Bottom of Form
Believe in our Spiritual Heritage: Bhutan stands as the last bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, a philosophy not just ingrained in the Bhutanese way of life but a thriving spiritual practice. GMC, in its essence, aspires to position Bhutan as the global center of Vajrayana Buddhism, with GMC proudly serving as its world capital. This too is GMC.
Believe in Youth: Bhutan’s values and vision have consistently placed youth at their very core, evident in the inclusion of youth in the Royal Addresses. In the contemporary era of National transformation and the inception of GMC, the expectations from our youth have soared. Simultaneously, the trust and confidence placed in our youth have multiplied significantly. This too is GMC.
While there may not be an official Dzongkha word for “Believe,” the tagline of the Nation Brand, “Damstig” as in “Tha damtsig,” has been used as the closest equivalent. I believe, Tandin Dorji, the founder of Education Pro and owner of Kingston College in Australia, embodies the spirit of Bhutan Believe. Starting his journey at a tender age in a remote primary school in Lhuentse, Tandin took (Had to) responsibility for his education and life. His story of transforming challenges and hardships into opportunities and success is a remarkable rags-to-riches tale, akin to a fairy tale. He continues to prove that with a combination of belief in one’s goals, commitment, and hard work, any ambition is achievable. His vision remains strong as he aspires to make a global impact and bring pride to Bhutan. He is investing AUD 1.5 million in GMC in 2025. His deep commitment of Damtsig to Tsawa Sum is both encouraging and inspiring.
WORD OF THE YEAR 2024 – GMC
The magazine The Economist has chosen “kakistocracy” as the word of 2024. The term “kakistocracy” comes from Greek roots, with “kakos” meaning “worst” and “kratia” meaning “rule.” Thus, “kakistocracy” literally translates to “rule by the worst.” It refers to a government run by the least qualified, most unscrupulous, or most incompetent individuals. The word encapsulates the fears and concerns regarding the quality and integrity of those appointed to significant positions of power in 2024, particularly following US elections.
However, this surely does not apply to Bhutan, as I believe that we have the best democratically elected government so far. Instead, I would choose “Gelephu Mindfulness City” as the words for 2024, not only for Bhutan but for the world. My justification is as follows:
Firstly, based on the global reach through various media platforms, including TV, print media, and social media. Major news houses such as CNN, CNBC, BBC, CBS, WION, and NDTV have covered GMC, and the coverage continues to grow.
Secondly, GMC is a global project. It aspires to help prepare for a more harmonious, just, and sustainable world for humans, plants, and animals. I believe that GMC will benefit not only Bhutan but the entire world.
Thirdly, there has never been a 500-year plan in the history of mankind. This is unprecedented and unmatched. As His Majesty said in the Royal Address to the Nation on the 116th National Day Celebration, paraphrased herewith: This plan is not just for this year and next year; it’s not just for our children. Like what Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal initiated 400 years ago, the institutions of the nation-state of Palden Drukpa, the dzongs, and the governance system are still relevant today. Therefore, together, through this plan initiative, we will build a legacy that will continue to benefit Bhutanese 500 years into the future…”
For Bhutan, I believe GMC will continue to be the word of the year for at least the next ten years, after which GMC will have been fully established and flourishing. I would like to imagine reading the following headlines in various news outlets in the year 2034:
GMC Chronicles, Gelephu, December 17, 2034: “Gelephu Recognized as the World’s Most Liveable City. Bhutan’s Decade-Long Efforts in Mindfulness, Social Cohesion, and Environmental Sustainability Herald a New Era of Global Leadership.”
BBC, London, December 17, 2034: “The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Announces Gelephu as the World’s Most Liveable City and Bhutan as the Most Liveable Country. Bhutan’s Mindfulness and Spirituality-Led Development Model Sets a Global Standard.”
Bhutan Times, Thimphu, December 17, 2034: “Bhutan Crowned the Most Liveable Country Coinciding with the 127th National Day Celebration. This Recognition Marks Bhutan’s Graduation into the First World Club as a Fully Developed Nation with a Just, Equal, and Harmonious Society. Bhutan Leads in Embracing Mindfulness and Spirituality for Progress, Inspiring a Reimagination of Development Possibilities.”
CNN, Gelephu, December 17, 2034: “Kingdom of Bhutan Sets a Global Example: Gelephu Declared the Most Liveable City as the Nation Celebrates its National Day. Bhutan’s Unique Approach to Mindfulness, Social Cohesion, and Environmental Sustainability Pays Off.”
The New York Times, New York, December 17, 2034: “From Ambition to Reality: Gelephu, Bhutan, Now the Epitome of Livability and Sustainability. Bhutan’s Visionary GMC, Rooted in Mindfulness and Spirituality, Reaps Global Acclaim.”
BBS, Thimphu, December 17, 2034: “Coinciding with the 127th National Day, Bhutan Celebrates Its Remarkable Achievement as the World’s Most Liveable Country. Gelephu Shines as the Model City for Global Sustainability, Mindfulness, and Spirituality-Led Development.”
Gyalyong Duechen Gyalo! Palden Drukpa Gyalo!
Dorji Dhradhul, Author and Creativist.
