Royal Family Graces 6th Zhabto Programme Opening at Gelephu Mindfulness City
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, along with Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the importance of volunteerism and civic participation in nation-building.
Approximately 8,100 volunteers are taking part in the five-day programme, including participants from monastic bodies and religious communities, the general public, government ministries, dzongkhag administrations, and private sector organizations. Notably, 157 Bhutanese nationals based in Australia have also joined the initiative.
Running from April 10 to 14, the programme focuses on environmental conservation and site preparation across various locations within GMC. Volunteers will engage in clearing habitat exclusion areas, removing invasive species and undergrowth in Samdrupling and Tashiling, and preparing land for the construction of the 108 Jangchu Chorten. Additional activities include weeding and land development at the central park, clearing areas between the old airport and Gelephu town, and bush clearing at Riverside and Wetland Parks.
Later in the day, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the Salhang (ground-breaking ceremony) of Druk Ugyen Samyeling, a future centre dedicated to Buddhist practice, study, and contemplative life within GMC. The complex is designed in a sacred mandala layout, featuring a central temple surrounded by twelve zones for ritual and community use, and will enshrine 100,000 statues of Ugyen Norlha.
Meanwhile, His Majesty The King visited the proposed site of an 18-hole golf course at Barshong, accompanied by renowned golf course architect Tom Doak, co-designer Vijit Nandrajog, and Ming Z. Mei, CEO of GLP and a founding member of GMC.
The visit marks the formal commencement of the design process for the golf course, which will operate as a non-profit, with surplus revenues directed toward benefiting Bhutanese communities.
