While much of the nation prepares to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birth anniversary tomorrow, thousands in Gelephu are preparing to serve. More than 12,000 volunteers from across the country have gathered to take part in the 5th edition of the voluntary works for the Gelephu Mindfulness City(GMC) project over the next five days.
Among them is Namgay Tashi from Samtenling Gewog under Sarpang, who has participated in every round of voluntary work since the initiative began.
Namgay Tashi said, “Everyone is aware that Gelephu Mindfulness City is the self-arising vision of His Majesty. During a previous address, His Majesty said that the contribution to this project is akin to building 10,000 celestial places. His Majesty personally comes here with members of the Royal Family. If ordinary citizens like us do not take part in such a historic moment, it makes us uneasy. I have participated in all the previous voluntary works, and I am ready to continue contributing.”
For Sonam Zangmo and Tshering Tshomo, however, this marks their first time volunteering in Gelephu. The two travelled all the way from Trongsa and are eager to begin to work.
Sonam Zangmo said, “The main reason I came is that GMC is His Majesty’s self-arising vision. I wanted to contribute within my capacity. Coming from a humble background, I may not be able to offer monetary support, but I can contribute through physical work. I had hoped to join earlier, but could not due to my job. Tomorrow is His Majesty’s Birthday, and I am excited to participate in such a meaningful day.”
“We may not be able to directly contribute financially to the GMC project, but participating in physical work gives us great satisfaction. At least we are doing something for our country and for future generations,” added Tshering Tshomo.
Wangchuk, who came from Samtse said, “We are participating to help fulfil His Majesty’s vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City. We could not take part earlier, but this time, around 70 retired soldiers from Samtse have come to volunteer.”
The volunteers will be deployed across multiple locations in and around Gelephu, carrying out large-scale environmental and land development activities.
At Gelephu Choeten in Chuzergang, volunteers will clear undergrowth in construction areas.
Near the Gelephu International Airport and surrounding zones, habitat enrichment activities will include removing invasive species, planting fodder species, and developing drainage systems, waterholes, and salt licks.
Land preparation for grass seed sowing will be carried out between the airport and Ipoly Bridge, as well as at Gelephu, levelling and clearing debris and stones.
In Trashiling, Rabdeyling, and Mindfulness Parks in Decehepelri, volunteers will undertake bush clearing and invasive species removal.
Additionally, volunteers will create and clear a buffer zone along the Mountain Biking Trail from Phulari to Samtenling.
As the nation celebrates His Majesty’s Birthday, these volunteers are marking the occasion not only with words of gratitude but with action.
Through sweat, soil and service, they embody a spirit of unity, responsibility and devotion, demonstrating that the greatest tribute lies not only in celebration, but in contribution.
Karma Wangdi/ Passang Dorji, Gelephu
