Around 150 Bhutanese residents from Australia returned to Bhutan to participate in the sixth batch of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Volunteer Programme, reflecting the diaspora’s enduring connection to their homeland and its significant development project. The five-day event, which began on April 11, gathered participants from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared desire to contribute to the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Kinley Tenzin, President of the Australia Bhutan Professional and Industry (ABPI), highlighted the overwhelming turnout, noting that over 155 volunteers committed to participating, along with substantial financial support generating over 66,000 AUD. This program saw participation primarily from Western Australia but included volunteers from across Australia, indicating a strong collective resolve among the Bhutanese diaspora.
To accommodate those unable to travel to Gelephu, the initiative was designed with an emphasis on inclusivity. Tenzin emphasized the need for a platform that allows all Bhutanese, especially those living abroad, to engage meaningfully in this significant cause, thereby enabling financial contributions that support the development efforts back home.
The broader volunteer effort gained recognition on April 11, 2026, with the participation of the Royal family, including His Majesty The King, and more than 8,100 volunteers, including monks, villagers, and various stakeholders from different sectors in Bhutan. This large assembly worked on multiple sites across Gelephu, focusing on land preparation, habitat clearing, invasive species removal, and construction related to the planned 108 Jangchub Chortens.
During the programme, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay personally welcomed and thanked the volunteers from Australia for their service and dedication, acknowledging their significant travel to contribute to the GMC vision. This heartfelt interaction underscored the importance of their commitment not only to the immediate volunteer tasks but to the long-term future of Bhutan.
The ongoing development of Gelephu Mindfulness City exemplifies a unified effort among Bhutanese worldwide, reinforcing the notion that regardless of their geographical location, the Bhutanese diaspora is deeply invested in the nation-building endeavor, reflecting a shared identity and responsibility towards their country. For many participants, the journey home transcended volunteerism; it reaffirmed their connection to Bhutan and their role in its future.
