As the Gelephu Mindfulness City rises from vision to reality, it is not only bulldozers and blueprints that are shaping Bhutan’s future; it’s also the quiet dedication of individuals like Ganga Ram Ghalley. We bring you a story of one man’s heartfelt devotion, a sacred stone from His Majesty The King, and how this turned into a profound blessing for an entire family.
Even in the pouring rain, 39-year-old Ganga Ram Ghalley can be found at the site of Bhutan’s future, the Gelephu Mindfulness City International Airport. His hands are cold, his clothes soaked, yet his spirit remains unshaken.
His motivation comes from a deeply personal moment. During the airport’s groundbreaking ceremony, as thousands passed stones in a human chain, His Majesty The King personally placed one into Ganga’s hands, a moment, Ganga says, he will never forget.
“His Majesty handed me a stone, and as I looked at it, I knew I could not just pass it on. I quietly kept it in my gho. For me, it felt sacred, something truly precious. I brought it home and placed it on our altar, where I now pray to it every day for the success of His Majesty’s vision.”
Today, that stone sits at the centre of Ganga’s altar. He believes the sacred gift has replaced the need for any other relics or statues; it has become the spiritual heart of his household. Ganga’s mother-in-law says the entire family feels blessed by the presence of the stone.
“For us, the stone is truly a blessing from our King. The moment my son-in-law brought it home, we gently washed it, placed it on our altar, and offered prayers. It feels like a constant reminder that His Majesty’s blessings are with our family,” said Roop Lachi Rai, Mother-in-law, Gelephu.
Inspired by this divine gift, Ganga now dedicates three hours daily to Zhabtog, volunteering his time for the airport’s construction. Praying to the stone, seeing it every day, fuels his unwavering commitment.
“I’ve made up my mind to dedicate at least three hours of my day to volunteer at the airport construction site. I’ve told my wife, and I plan to bring her and other family members along, so that together, we can offer our humble contribution to this national dream,” said Ganga Ram Ghalley.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City is more than an infrastructure project. It is a national dream, carried forward by citizens like Ganga, whose service comes not from obligation, but from deep belief.
Each day, before he leaves, Ganga looks at the stone. He prays. He hopes. And with every step he takes at the construction site, he carries that inspiration with him, rain or shine.
With faith in his heart and a sacred stone on his altar, Ganga Ram Ghalley reminds us that Bhutan’s future will be built not just with steel and stone, but with love, loyalty, and quiet devotion.
Passang Dorji, Gelephu
