Each day, volunteers are bringing the 108 Jangchub Chorten event in Gelephu closer to completion. Some give a few hours, while others spend days helping with preparations. From big tasks to small, their collective effort is helping get the site ready for the much-anticipated event.
Among them is a group of around 16 Bolero drivers from Thimphu and other districts. Calling themselves members of the Bolero Drivers Association, they have come to Gelephu with their pickup trucks, ready to take on tasks related to the 108 Jangchub Chorten project without charging a fee.
For these drivers, it means setting aside their regular work and income to contribute to a historic occasion.
Nima Dorji, a volunteer from Thimphu, said, “We have sacrificed our work and the income we could earn using our vehicles. We decided to come here to volunteer. This is the least we can do to help His Majesty achieve his vision for GMC. Today, there are about 15 of us, and we also plan to bring another group of Bolero drivers soon.”
The initiative has drawn appreciation from the GMC Governor, Dr Lotay Tshering, who says the volunteers will have their own stories to tell about being part of this historic event.
“His Majesty The King is building about 108 stupas, each 15 metres tall, in a single day. This will be a historic day. People attending the event on November 1st will remember that they came and offered their prayers. But you can say that you have worked for nearly a month and offered your vehicles in service to this historic event,” the Governor said.
The drivers are among around 2,000 volunteers from Gelephu and neighbouring districts, including Tsirang, Dagana and Zhemgang, who have joined the preparations. For some, the opportunity to contribute has been especially meaningful after missing earlier voluntary activities.
Pema Choden, a volunteer from Dagana, said, “We could not take part in the earlier voluntary works, and we were worried that we might not get the chance to volunteer for such an auspicious event. Now that we can, we feel very proud to be part of this historic occasion.”
Khandu Wangchuk, also a volunteer from Dagana, said, “We live in remote areas, so we missed the earlier voluntary activities. Now that we have the opportunity to contribute at the 108 Jangchub Chorten site, we feel fortunate and proud to be part of this historic occasion.”
Students from schools across Gelephu have also joined cleaning campaigns to help prepare the town for the expected gathering.
The volunteers from other districts are expected to conclude their voluntary service tomorrow. But with much more work remaining before November 1st, GMC says more helping hands are needed.
Volunteers are welcome at the sites every day until November 1st, whether for a few hours or several days. To volunteer, call the toll-free number 108.
Passang Dorji and Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
