After five days of hard work and togetherness, the second round of volunteer engagement at the Gelephu Mindfulness City concluded today. More than 7,000 volunteers from Sarpang and across the country took part, far surpassing the initial expectation of 5,000.
The final day began with the offering of Riwo Sangchoe at Phulari Viewpoint, overlooking the plains of the Mindfulness City. The traditional smoke offering was performed to generate merit, accumulate good fortune, and purify the environment by appeasing deities and dispelling negativity.
On the ground, the spirit of service remained as strong as on the first day. In just five days, volunteers cleared bushes, pruned trees, and worked across more than 700 acres of land. Many said they were ready to return if called again.
Tenzin, a resident said, “It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to volunteer here. We are truly happy to serve our King and country. Even after days of work, we don’t feel tired. I have been here for about four days now, and neither the rain nor the sun has stopped me.”
Lungten Dema, another resident said, “I have been volunteering here for five days, and I am very happy to have contributed. As long as my health allows and my body can work, I want to continue serving.”
The Governor of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their unwavering commitment.
Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, the governor of GMC said, “This programme has been successful because of the unity we have shown and the shared vision of our people. Going forward, we must continue with this mindset. The world is already admiring the idea of GMC, and to make it even more attractive, we must work hard to fulfill this vision. It is an example for the world, and I feel proud and privileged to be part of it.”
And for those who could not join this time, the governor said there will be many more opportunities in the years ahead. In the next decade, volunteer services are expected to continue with upcoming works, including the construction of religious temples and monasteries, recently approved by His Majesty The King.
As the sun set over Gelephu, the second round of voluntary service ended not in fatigue but in celebration, with Tokha, cultural performances, and a deep sense of unity that shone brighter than exhaustion.
Passang Dorji
