Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project reached significant spiritual and developmental milestones as the Royal Family graced the consecration of the Ugyen Norlha Chorten and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten, alongside more than 16,000 volunteers.
On February 21, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Jetsun Pema, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Members of the Royal Family attended the ceremonies, underscoring the national importance of the project.
The Ugyen Norlha Chorten, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche’s manifestation of prosperity, was consecrated as the first completed sacred landmark within GMC. Built to commemorate the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, the chorten symbolizes auspicious beginnings and reflects the spiritual foundation of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Following the consecration, Their Majesties attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten at Chuzergang, located at the heart of the emerging city. Modeled after the revered Boudhanath Stupa (Jarung Khashor), the Gelephu Chorten will stand 80 meters tall, symbolizing the 80 years of the Buddha’s earthly life. The ceremony drew over 16,000 volunteers participating in the fifth round of the Zhabtog program—a nationwide volunteer service initiative supporting GMC’s development.
During the event, His Majesty expressed deep gratitude to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for his lifelong contributions to Bhutan’s progress and for his wish to personally participate in the volunteer program. He described the former king’s legacy as the foundation upon which Bhutan’s present strength and capability stand.
His Majesty also announced an ambitious initiative to construct 108 Jangchub Chorten stupas along an 11-kilometer stretch, each 15 meters high, and to complete them within a single day—a bold undertaking intended to demonstrate unity, courage, and national resolve.
In a heartfelt address, the king emphasized that Bhutan’s true strength lies in its people. Comparing his role to that of a football coach, he said his responsibility is to recognize talent, nurture it, and guide citizens to fulfill their highest potential in building a brighter future for the nation’s children.
On the occasion, His Majesty awarded the Druk Thuksey Medal to Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp and Dr. Nathawat Ahriyavraromp of MQDC, acknowledging their steadfast support and belief in the GMC vision since its inception.
The Zhabtog volunteers undertook extensive work aligned with GMC’s master plan. Activities included clearing the Gelephu Chorten site, restoring surrounding areas, and enriching elephant habitats by removing invasive species, planting fodder, and maintaining drainage systems and water sources.
On February 22, the Royal Family inspected progress at Gelephu International Airport, a key infrastructure component of the city’s development. Earlier that day, they graced the installation of the Rabsel at Genyen Neykhang in Phulari—a sacred structure built upon royal command and modeled after Dechenphu Lhakhang. The Neykhang is set to become a cornerstone among GMC’s spiritual landmarks.
On the third day of the Zhabtog program, 28 volunteer teams worked across seven sites. At Central Park, a 35.5-acre area near Gelephu town, 108 flowering trees were planted to ensure year-round blossoms, symbolizing growth and renewal.
Through sacred ceremonies, infrastructure inspections, environmental restoration, and collective volunteerism, the events highlighted the spiritual depth and national unity driving the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision—a project blending tradition, sustainability, and forward-looking development for Bhutan’s future.
