Our Beloved King in His Mission

The Third Pillar — Pelsung: Guardians of Prosperity in Bhutan

Image: HM's Official FB Page

Image: HM's Official FB Page

Image: HM's Official FB Page

Image: HM's Official FB Page

October 8, 2025: 

As the third group of volunteers begin their work in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) His Majesty The King announced the launch of Pelsung.

Pelsung, meaning Guardians of Prosperity, is a new national initiative to engage Bhutanese youth in developing creative and practical solutions for the GMC.

His Majesty announced Pelsung as the third pillar of nation-building alongside Desuung and Gyalsung, instituted to help build strong foundations for the country’s future.

“For a small population, every single person matters, and these programmes are intended to empower our people, to build harmony and the capacity to work together. As His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo said in the 1974 Coronation Address, our collective efforts will have far greater impact than the concerted efforts of a few,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said that the Gelephu Mindfulness City represents the aspirations of the nation taking shape, and that the sacred responsibility to protect Bhutan’s unity, harmony, and unique identity for all time falls on the youth.

“Everything we are doing today is for our youth – so that they will be better versions of us, better prepared, smarter, and more hard-working. It falls on us to build that future, and on them to protect it and take it to greater heights,” His Majesty said. “That is the reason Pelsung has been created. I invite larger and larger numbers — the brightest and strongest amongst us — to join. We begin with 300–400 Pelsups, but expect to have thousands in the coming years. While today we bring in experts to help build the GMC, it is imperative that Bhutanese are able to take over the responsibility and become its custodians.”

“My father entrusted the responsibility of Kingship to me when I was only 26, with enormous confidence and even greater expectations. I would like to learn from past precedent, and His Majesty’s immense wisdom, and recognize the potential of our youth. We certainly value experience, age, and education. But we must also rely on our youth to take the nation forward,” His Majesty said. “My father took a leap of faith in me, and I have always endeavoured to not disappoint him, my people, and above all, our choechang sungma.”

“It is not how you fit into a role that matters, but how you adapt — how quickly you can learn, absorb information, exercise good judgement, and reinvent yourself,” His Majesty said. “Success requires adaptability, humility, resilience, and a constant appetite to learn. Every moment of your life, you are growing, becoming stronger, and your conviction solidifies. Only when you know what is worth fighting for do you learn how to succeed.”

His Majesty added that the journey ahead will not be easy. “There will be heartaches and disappointments. If it were easy, every country in the world would be better off and do exactly what we are doing. We have to be resilient in the face of challenges to do what others cannot.”

The first cohort of Pelsung participants includes about 300 youth, selected from thousands of applicants from within and outside Bhutan. They represent a diverse mix of civil servants, private employees, students, and recent university graduates.

The programme includes a Youth Integration Training, developed with the support of Desuung, to build teamwork and community spirit. Participants will attend GMC Talks with experts from the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, and later form groups to develop ideas under four themes — Social and Cultural, Business and Commercial, Governance and Planning, and Architecture and Urban Design.

His Majesty expressed deep appreciation for the people’s overwhelming interest in joining the volunteer work, saying that people from across the country had shown remarkable enthusiasm to be part of the national effort.

“This is the true spirit of Bhutan, our unity, and the manner in which Bhutanese come together with the noble intent of benefiting all sentient beings,” His Majesty said. “That is what makes Bhutan special, and sets us apart.”

His Majesty especially acknowledged the presence of Lopen Basokarp, the 98-year-old former Yangbi Lopen and Druk Thugsey recipient, who had requested to come to Gelephu to take part in the voluntary work.

The ceremony was attended by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Members of the Royal Family, international guests, officials, and the public of Gelephu.

The Classic Two

 

Pic: Reden (Left), Yesha (Right)

It feels unfair not to mention anything about this photograph sent to us. It takes us back, as if we'd only just left them yesterday. Yet, time has moved so fast, both have grown into entirely different from the ones we left behind.

When we left, our boy had just begun to speak words like "papa, mummy, mammum" and our Yesha was still too young to be apart from us.

Perhaps it was not fair on our part as parents. However, different circumstances pushed us to this far away place, separated by mountains, valleys and oceans.

Honestly, when I think about the missed milestones of our children, my higher degree and the foreign experiences are nothing.

We console ourselves in far away places, deep inside our heart, that even though there's a quiet regret that lingers, yet life must go on, no matter what. And we're not just the parents who're far away chasing some wild dreams. 

When I first saw this photo, I just couldn't scroll to the next. I was profoundly lost in this photo. It gave me some mixed feelings, one proud that they're in safe hands and the other, it pained my heart that we missed every moment of their milestones, which money and our experiences can't buy. 

"Missing their innocence, baby smell, nagging, laughter, and funny moments will never return".

Reden's mature pose and Yesha dressing full in sublime purple and mixed, girlish tone remind us of the years we'd just missed. Indeed, those missed precious moments of our kids will remain forever etched in our hearts. 

We may have been away, but our love has never left them and never will.

  

My Takeaway on First-ever Research Seminar

When I first received the invitation from my supervisor to attend the School of Information Technology & Systems seminar on 18th August, I was both surprised and excited. 

In fact, it felt like a special moment to mark the beginning of my academic journey. I accepted the invitation both verbally and through the official channel, and even marked the date in my calendar so I'd not miss this opportunity to listen to senior research students sharing their work and milestones—the most important one being "the Confirmation of Candidature".

Having just begun my research study under the guidance of Dr. Hamed and Dr. Ellisa, I'm still at the stage of figuring the "whats, whys, hows and whens" of this long learning journey. 

While I've undertaken research-related units in my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and even carried out small action research projects, I still consider myself a beginner. 

Real-world research requires much more as it takes time, commitment, countless cycles of reading and rereading, unlearning and relearning, as well as collaboration with peers and supervisors.

To make this seminar a priority, I set aside everything else and even took leave from work. I wanted to ensure I could attend, because I knew this event would lay an important foundation for shaping my topic.

Indeed, I was clueless when I entered the room (7B56). However, luckily I found a seat next to a fellow Bhutanese student. Exchanging quick greetings with a friend from my home country gave me comfort and helped me settle in. 

The first two presenters, both from China, spoke about their research in advanced technology (,,,) and Robot(,,,). 

Their work made me reflect deeply. I found myself thinking about how much of our daily life is connected to products “made in China”—from the clothes I wear to the utensils I use. Beyond this, I realized that China’s dominance in technology, AI and innovation stems not just from manufacturing but from a strong research culture supported by sustained investment in education.

Listening to these presentations was eye-opening. It was as though I was revisiting my high school physics and mathematics lessons, but this time seeing them transformed into real-world applications such as robotics and machine learning. I understood that such breakthroughs are not accidental but rather the result of systemic effort, discipline and a thriving culture of research and innovation.

At the same time, I appreciated the diversity of the seminar. Some presenters showcased highly technical innovations, while others contributed through theoretical or policy-focused work. This balance reminded me that research takes many forms, but its essence lies in creating knowledge that is rigorous, transparent and meaningful.

For me, attending this seminar was not just about observing others; it was also about reflecting on my own journey. I realized that research is more than abstract theories. It is about building facts, connecting ideas logically and building new knowledge. 

In fact, this session have deeply widen my understanding of how to systematically conduct a research. It gave me both direction and inspiration to prepare well not just to meet milestones but to gradually grow into an independent researcher. 

Our Three Humble Offerings

Reden's 6th Birthday Offering

It has been exactly 841 days, or 2 years, 3 months and 19 days, since we have been away from our two beloved children.

Perhaps I don't want to recall that Thursday morning of 20 April 2023, when we had to leave them still sleeping in their beds. Since then, we have been living in two different worlds, counting each day, hoping time passes quickly and our reunion happens like a magical moment.

Today, we celebrate our son’s 5th birthday — from afar, through video calls and virtual hugs.

We send him our warmest wishes and endless prayers for his good health, his happiness and a life filled with love and meaning. May all his dreams come true, and may he always be guided by kindness and strength.

To honour his 5th birthday, we offer three simple, symbolic gifts;

 A "Butter Lamp" ( in the hope that he will one day shine light upon the world with his goodness, warmth and wisdom.  

A "Bhutanese Incense Stick" (wishing that he may carry the fragrance from the Himalayas within him, spreading love and calm wherever he goes). 

A "Red Daisy" (hoping he will be admired not only for his appearance but for his kind heart and that he may be loved by all for who he truly is)

With these humble offerings, we don't just wish him good health but also we wish him to grow into a compassionate, intelligent and humble human being, who will one day serve his country with highest integrity, pure passion and utmost loyalty.

---------------------

Our King's Vision of GMC

 

Photo: gmc.bt

I am always amazed by the concept of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) -the brainchild of our beloved king. 

What's so intriguing to me is the whole idea of this city but what it symbolizes for Bhutan and for each one of us-the future rooted in spirituality, sustainability and purposeful living. 

It's even more awe-inspiring to witness the architectural brilliance that's slowly beginning to shape this dream project. Among the many incredible designs, this aerial view or bird eye view of one side of the proposed city caught my heart so deeply. 

I can't just move on without a long stair to these images. The Education Centre and the Airport stand out with their stunning and timeless beauty, each space reflecting not just the modern elegance but the blend of traditional design, which I have long dreamt about. In many occasions, I have shared this with my Science Students -many of whom have gone to become architects and engineers, scattered across different parts of the country.

....

Unfolding a new era of learning - Part II

I had the opportunity to attend the Zoom session "Walk the Talk -02", with four insightful panelists, some seasoned researchers, others university lecturers. The session ran for nearly two hours, but every minute was worth it. 

I would like to believe that they are not only supporting aspiring PhD and Master's Research Candidates but also trying to build a vibrant research community where ideas, guidance and collaboration can thrive.  

Mr. Gopilal Acharya presented on "Academic Writing" and he covered pretty well the fundamentals of academic writing. 

Dr. Deki presented on "AI and Academic Writing". She emphasized that AI is a double-edged sword. While acknowledging its growing influence, she firmly warned us against using AI in any form of academic writing. Reliance on AI not only fosters dependency and laziness, but also diminishes creative thinking and originality. 

AT THE BEST, DON'T USE AI! 

Dr. Karma Tenzin, shared some "General Insights", in fact the whole process, drawn from his own experience.  I found some of his words genuinely encouraging. However, one particular piece of advice of finding a reliable "Study Partner/Study Buddy" was something EYE OPENING! 

Dr. Phuntsho Wangdi, gave us the consultation process and timely communication with supervisors and other research groups. 

My sincere thanks to the EduPlus Bhutan Journal team for organizing this session at a critical time. To make us feel that research journey is not so difficult, it all needs "passion, dedication, commitment, collaboration, critical thinking, attention to detail, etc, etc,,,"

Thank you for inspiring us!

Part I

Part -II

Disclaimer: These screenshots are taken from the presentation and are shared solely for my personal reference and record-keeping purposes.