On 7 October 2025, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, announced the launch of Pelsung–a new national initiative “to engage Bhutanese youth in developing creative and practical solutions for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)” project. This announcement comes at a time when Bhutan is grappling with youth unemployment (17.8 percent) and a significant brain drain that is undermining its quest for sustainable development. To retain the youth, the state is redefining its nationalism by creating and presenting new opportunities. Bhutan, today, is embracing technology, mainstreaming, introducing and mandating national services, and symbolising the GMC.
Technology, Duty, and Mindfulness: A New Wave of Nationalism Engulfs Bhutan
