In a significant show of national unity and service, Their Majesties, accompanied by their children, attended the opening of the sixth GMC Zhabto program in Gelephu Mindfulness City, drawing thousands of volunteers to the transformative initiative.
The four-day program has brought together approximately 8,100 participants, including Bhutanese citizens traveling from as far as Australia. The large turnout reflects growing enthusiasm for the project and a shared commitment to its vision of sustainable and mindful urban development.
Volunteers are engaged in a wide range of activities essential to the city’s groundwork. These include clearing land, removing invasive plant species, and preparing designated areas for the construction of the 108 Jangchu Chorten—an integral spiritual component of the city. Additional efforts are focused on land development and weeding across key locations, including the central park and surrounding areas.
In a separate engagement, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the site earmarked for an 18-hole golf course at Barshong. The King was joined by renowned golf course architect Tom Doak and other members of the design team. The planned course, officials noted, will operate as a non-profit, aligning with the broader ethos of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
The ongoing Zhabto program highlights a blend of civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, reinforcing Bhutan’s unique approach to development—one that places equal emphasis on community participation and holistic well-being.
