108 Jangchub Chortens: GMC Project’s Curtain-raiser

Even as I am composing this article which is my tribute to the monumental undertaking conceived and executed under the guidance and supervision of our Monarch, the pivotal first-step in the long GMC journey – the raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens is happening at the Gelephu Mindfulness City – right at this very moment - watched in rapt reverence and prodded on by the prayers of over a hundred thousand devout believers gathered there to witness a historic event of unmatched scale and size.

It is symbolic … and it is significant that the GMC Project’s curtain-raiser is in the form of 108 Chortens that hold profound spiritual meaning to the Bhutanese people.

I am tempted to say that I join the thousands gathered in Gelephu – to offer prayers and gratitude - that GMC Project is celebrating its first milestone today the 1st of November, 2026. But I falter … because no one should be in any doubt that to have been able to arrive at this day required more than just prayers – it required monumental courage, grit and infinite faith in Himself, His purpose and His capabilities. Thus, what I would like to do is express the hope, and the wish, that everything will go smoothly this blessed day for all those who are gathered at the GMC.

Sometime back a friend expressed to me the view that His Majesty would have a hard time filling the shoes of His illustrious Father … My response was: I get the feeling that His Majesty will not only fill the shoes of His illustrious Father, but even His gum boots!

The raising of the 108 Jangchub Chortens on this day - within few months of its conception - is proof that I am not wrong!