More than 150 Bhutanese living in Australia departed Thimphu today for Gelephu to participate in the sixth batch of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) volunteer programme, which begins tomorrow. The five-day initiative forms part of His Majesty The King’s broader vision to develop Gelephu as a unique mindfulness-based city, driven by collective effort and inclusive participation from Bhutanese both at home and abroad.
Clad in bright yellow T-shirts, the volunteers created a striking scene as they gathered ahead of their journey. From afar, the group resembled a vibrant wave of colour; up close, it reflected a powerful narrative of unity. Individuals from diverse age groups and professional backgrounds stood side by side, bound by a shared sense of purpose and national pride.
Among the participants are volunteers as young as nine years old, underscoring the intergenerational commitment to the initiative. Many in the group travelled more than 6,000 kilometres from Australia to take part, highlighting the depth of connection felt by Bhutanese living overseas.
For several volunteers, the programme represents more than an opportunity to serve—it is also a homecoming. Namgay Pelyang, who travelled from Perth with family members, said the experience was too significant to witness from afar. “We wanted to be part of this moment in real life, not just as viewers online,” she said, describing the journey as both meaningful and historic.
Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing to His Majesty’s vision as a powerful motivator. Ugyen Dorji, also from Perth, said the scale and importance of the GMC project inspired them to act. “Even while living abroad, we felt compelled to come and contribute,” he said.
Beyond physical participation, the Bhutanese diaspora in Australia has also mobilised financial support for the initiative. Kinley Tenzin, President of the Association of Bhutanese in Perth, noted that many who could not travel still wished to contribute. Through coordinated efforts, the community has raised nearly AUD 76,000 to support GMC-related work.
Volunteers emphasised that their presence was not about recognition, but about encouraging broader involvement. Chimi Tshewang explained that their participation aims to inspire other Bhutanese abroad to engage with the project, whether through volunteering or financial contributions.
For many, the act of volunteering is also deeply personal. Kelzang Choden described it as an opportunity to give back to a country that has provided free education and healthcare. “Even small contributions matter,” she said, adding that the experience carries emotional as well as national significance.
While acknowledging that individual efforts may seem modest in scale, participants stressed that collective action holds transformative potential. Tshering Wangchuck expressed hope that this first group of volunteers from Australia would pave the way for many more to follow.
The five-day programme will involve a range of development activities, building on progress achieved in earlier phases. However, beyond physical labour, the volunteers bring with them a strong sense of gratitude, unity, and commitment.
As the sixth batch prepares to begin work, their journey stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Bhutan and its global diaspora—one rooted in shared values, loyalty, and a vision for the nation’s future.
