While thousands of volunteers sweat under the sun to build the Gelephu Mindfulness City, another group works quietly in the background. From preparing meals to managing transport, healthcare, safety, and shelter, these silent hands are the backbone of the second phase of the GMC volunteer service.
In a temporary kitchen behind the Desuung office, pots boil, rice steams, and curry bubbles.
But before a single plate is served, the food is inspected by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority. Only then is it cleared for delivery to the worksites.
“We are preparing lunch for more than 5,000 volunteers every day. Around 60 De-suups are engaged in the cooking, and we also have six forest officials supporting us to make sure thousands are fed on time,” said Gyem Gyaltshen, the De-suung Regional Coordinator.
Beyond the kitchens, another team is at work in the forests. The elephant and snake management mobile unit patrols the sites to keep volunteers safe. In one situation, they carefully captured a snake and released it deep into the jungle, far from people.
At the volunteer sites, health booths stand ready. Medical teams treat cuts, sprains, and heat exhaustion, while drinking water stations are placed across the area to keep volunteers safe from dehydration.
For those without a place to stay in Gelephu, arrangements have been made. Today, there are about 300 volunteers from Zhemgang, Tsirang, Dagana, and Pemagatshel staying in the given spaces arranged in schools and community halls.
Gelephu Thrompon Tshering Norbu said, “We have arranged school halls and institutions for volunteers without a place to stay. For travel, buses have also been provided to make movement easier for them”
And with thousands moving every day, the traffic police division keeps order, ensuring the smooth movement of people and vehicles.
Volunteers may be the face of Gelephu Mindfulness City. But behind them, these silent hands, feeding, protecting, caring, and guiding, are the lifelines that keep the dream alive.
Passang Dorji, Gelephu
