In the serene landscapes of Bhutan, a groundbreaking initiative is underway — the establishment of Gelephu as a Mindfulness City, symbolizing a harmonious blend of economic progress and spiritual heritage. This visionary project, unveiled on National Day Address 2023 by His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, holds the promise of transforming Gelephu into a thriving economic hub while preserving Bhutan’s unique identity rooted in Gross National Happiness (GNH).

National Day, a time-honored celebration, witnessed the unveiling of this transformative endeavor. The event, graced by the presence of Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, was a testament to the deep love and loyalty Bhutanese people harbor for their nation.

In response to the evolving economic landscape in South Asia, Bhutan envisions Gelephu as a key player in fostering regional connectivity. Geographically positioned to link South Asia to Southeast Asia, the Gelephu Special Administrative Region (SAR) is set to become a beacon of economic vitality, offering autonomy and flexibility to formulate laws and policies tailored for success.

At the heart of the Gelephu Mindfulness City is the commitment to conscious and sustainable businesses inspired by Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. It seeks to attract foreign investments, introducing a screening process to ensure alignment with Bhutanese values. This city, spanning 1000 sq kms, is a testament to Bhutan’s ability to innovate and implement ambitious projects with agility.

Addressing concerns about potential cultural impact, the project adopts a cautious approach. By focusing on Gelephu, the government aims to contain risks, manage the project closely, and ensure the economic benefits extend to all dzongkhags/ districts. The project is a strategic move to insulate the economic hub from undue influence while generating vast benefits for the entire country.

To ensure the success of the Gelephu project, the King emphasizes three critical priorities: expanding the energy sector, enhancing connectivity through an international airport and railway connections, and prioritizing skill development. These initiatives aim to create a conducive environment for foreign investments, boost economic activities, and provide opportunities for the Bhutanese youth.

Beyond economic prosperity, the Gelephu project represents a legacy-building effort, safeguarding Bhutan’s three precious jewels – the nation itself, the spiritual legacy of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel, and the future of Bhutanese children. It is a collective responsibility to pave the road to a future where Bhutan continues to thrive and inspire for generations to come.

As His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo passionately articulates, the Gelephu project is an inflection point in Bhutan’s history, requiring the collective effort of the King, the government, and the people. It is an opportunity to build an extraordinary legacy that will benefit Bhutanese for centuries. With unwavering determination, the call echoes – Are you ready to shoulder this responsibility and chart a destiny that transcends time?

In this endeavor, Gelephu stands as a gateway connecting Bhutan to the world, embodying the spirit of progress, unity, and a commitment to building a future that resonates with the principles of Gross National Happiness.