Paro College of Educations’ United Service at Gelephu Mindfulness City for a National Vision

From 23rd to 26^th of December, 2025, several members of Paro College of Education took part in the voluntary work at Gelephu Mindful City with a strong sense of pure enthusiasm and patriotism. They went as a work force but returned with palpable memories and meaningful experiences. A total of 105 ‘PCEans’ participated in this noble service where 26 of them were from teaching faculty, 21 non-teaching staffs and 58 trainees. From there I have collected some of their experiences in being the great support for this great project, building a City of Mindfulness in Gelephu.

“My volunteering experience at the Gelephu Mindfulness City during the fourth round of the four-day voluntary program was meaningful. It has allowed me to witness diverse people coming together, united by their belief in His Majesty’s visionary mission of building the world’s first Buddhist Mindfulness City. Many volunteers selflessly set aside their homes and work commitments to serve the development of GMC, and I felt honored to contribute, even in the smallest way I could.

It was an very enchanting to see the programs efficiently coordinated, the team leaders, catering services, health in-charge personnel, forestry services, and transportation and all working seamlessly to support a massive gathering of nearly 10,000 volunteers. This made me reflect the strong spirit of unity, devotion, and collective responsibility of the Bhutanese. This experience reminded me of the quote ‘what’s reality now, was once a dream’. While GMC is still a vision, the work being done today is part of turning that dream into reality, and I am proud and grateful to have played my modest part in serving my nation.” – Devika Rai(4PCA)

“Being a 4th batch volunteer at GMC for four days was truly an enriching and memorable experience as a trainee for me. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to work closely with fellow volunteers, irrespective of their age, coordinators, and leaders which helped me develop better teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Each day filled me with sense of pride and love for the country. It was certainly my small contribution for the future envisioned by His Majesty the fifth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgay Wangchuk. The experience taught me the importance of responsibility, time management, and community service. Additionally, his majesty, personally visited the site at the last day mainly to thank people who volunteered and travelled from all over the country. This reminded me that I am a proud Bhutanese and how lucky I am to be born in this particular era. His Majesty said that he is more than sure that the GMC will be successful because he trusts his people. He said that we will not rely on chances. Overall, these four days as a GMC 4th Batch volunteer were both rewarding and inspiring, leaving me motivated to continue serving and engaging in similar initiatives in the future.” – (Tshering Lhamo, 4PCA)

“I felt truly blessed to be able to contribute to building our future city on the plains of Gelephu. During these four days, His Majesty’s words, “United we stand, divided we fall,” heartily unfolded as people from all walks of life, be it The great Rinpoches, students, civil servants, or elders, worked side by side like countless threads weaving a strong and enduring tapestry. This experience will remain forever etched in my heart, and I would be honored to be part of it again in the future.”- (Tashi Wangmo,4PCA)

“To feel like Picasso, working on a masterpiece. As His Majesty beautifully stated, “We are Picassos, painting the art.” Just as Picasso’s artworks are now treasured and valued in billions, we too are contributing to something extraordinary which will one day be a timeless creation for the world to admire. Serving the nation in building a city rooted in Buddhist values and strengthened by cutting-edge technologies filled me with profound gratitude. At the end of the day, I am walking away with immense contentment.  During those four days of volunteerism, I witnessed the power of unity and felt deep appreciation for our beloved People’s King. This experience strengthened my belief that His Majesty’s grand vision will be fulfilled and together, we will all succeed.”- (Rebesh Rai,4PCA)

Overall, every 105 PCEans’ have worked wholeheartedly with unity, enthusiasm, and patriotism, making the voluntary service at GMC a meaningful and successful experience.