As the latest round of volunteer work came to a close today, it told a story beyond numbers and progress. It became a story of people, of families returning home, of children learning by doing, and of service that crossed borders.
Thousands of volunteers spread across multiple worksites today, marking the conclusion of weeks of dedicated effort in habitat restoration, site clearance, and plantation works. Acres of land have been revitalised, transformed from bare and degraded patches into areas with renewed ecological promise. But beyond the physical transformation, it was the people who defined this final day.
Unlike previous rounds, this phase witnessed a notable presence of Bhutanese living abroad, arriving from countries like Australia, Qatar, India, and beyond. Many returned not just to serve, but to reconnect. From Australia, families travelled thousands of kilometres, bringing along their children, not for a holiday, but for a lesson in responsibility and belonging.
“While living abroad, we felt we were missing the opportunity to contribute. Inspired by His Majesty’s message on unity, my family and I decided to return and take part in the Gelephu Mindfulness City project,” said Sonam Jamtsho, Volunteer, Australia.
“As a parent, contributing to GMC is part of securing a better future for my child. And bringing my child along was important, to help him understand his country and his responsibility to serve,” said Tenzin Wangchuk, Volunteer, Perth, Australia.
And the lesson appears to be taking root. Young volunteers, once unfamiliar with tools and fieldwork, worked alongside elders—planting, clearing, and learning through action.
“I came to help my country,” said Gayden Yeshey Rangdol, a volunteer from Perth, Australia.
“I came to Gelephu to help the king’s future project of GMC,” said Uphelma, another volunteer from Perth, Australia.
From the Middle East, where global tensions continue to unfold, a few Bhutanese volunteers still made the journey home, choosing service over uncertainty.
“I could not take part in the previous round and felt a strong urge to contribute this time. Despite the ongoing tensions where I live, I decided to return and serve. I now feel fulfilled for having done my part,” said Namgay Wangmo, Volunteer, Qatar.
In total, thousands participated in this round, covering extensive stretches of land through plantation drives, habitat enrichment, and site preparation. The effort was further strengthened by devotees who, after completing their prayer ceremonies just yesterday, joined the volunteer workforce, adding both numbers and spirit to the final push.
Beyond the worksites, this round also carried a unique atmosphere. Members of the Film Association of Bhutan hosted daily evening entertainment programmes at Gelephu Thubten Choekhorthang, offering volunteers a space to relax and connect after long hours of work.
The sixth round of volunteer service concluded with a Tokha granted by His Majesty the King, bringing together volunteers in a moment of shared gratitude.
More than just a successful phase of work, this round will be remembered for its people, for the families who returned, the children who learned, and the growing sense of unity that turned a national effort into a truly global one.
Karma Wangdi/Passang Dorji, Gelephu
