Every Sunday at exactly 11:00 AM, the hall of Devi Panchayan Mandir, Kuensel Phodrang, Thimphu comes alive not with ritual, but with hope, discipline, and youthful devotion. Around 50 to 55 children, aged between 3 and 20, gather with smiling faces and pure hearts, walking into a space filled with serenity of sacred temple and the soothing aroma of incense, a gift from the Golden Throne. What began almost two years ago with just a handful of children has now blossomed into a vibrant community deeply rooted in spiritual growth and national values.
This unique initiative, known as Bal Bikash, the Spiritual Development Program has become as integral to the children’s growth as their usual academic classes. Guided with passion by Mr. Durga Prasad Pokrel and supported by a dedicated volunteer group of parents, the program combines the traditional Hindu style of learning with Bhutanese values, while also introducing the children to AI and digital technologies, fostering a harmonious balance between spiritual wisdom and modern knowledge.
It has now emerged as one of the leading initiatives of the Hindu Dharma Samudaya, inspiring devotion and spiritual growth among the youth, and receiving widespread appreciation and support from devotees and communities across Bhutan.
The sessions begin with basic yoga to prepare the body, followed by simple meditation techniques to cultivate inner peace and focus. The children then immerse themselves in chanting the sacred mantras of the five principal Hindu deities, “The Panchyan Deva” which the Mandir is known for, invoking blessings, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. They sing hymns dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, seeking knowledge and wisdom, and recite the verses from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient scripture that teaches the art of living with purpose, resilience, and devotion.
Discipline is the cornerstone of the program. The children greet their elders and their peers with “Radhey Radhey”, bowing their heads with palms joined in reverence, a gesture that revives timeless values of respect, humility, and interconnectedness. Silence, mindfulness, and expressions of love and camaraderie pervade the room, embraced by all the children as a natural part of their practice.
Aligning with His Majesty The King’s vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City and nurturing conscious, responsible citizens, the Bal Bikash program cultivates mindfulness, compassion, and patriotism from an early age. Each session opens with Raj Vandana and Zhabten prayers dedicated to His Majesty The King, reflecting steadfast loyalty and devotion to the Tsa-Wa-Sum, and concludes with prayers of dedication for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all mother sentient beings.
The children are also introduced to Bhutanese etiquette, Driglam Namzha. They learn the significance and use of the national dress, kabney, rachu, and other ceremonial insignia, while being taught to respect elders and leaders and uphold cultural dignity both in daily life and during national events. At events of cultural, spiritual and national importance, the children have started taking center stage, proudly demonstrating their talents, discipline, and devotion
The children now actively represent the Temple in national and sacred events. Notably, they had the historic honor of ushering His Majesty The King to the temple during Dasain, leading as the Nine Kanyas (representation of Devine Feminine) and offering the Raj Bhandana before His Majesty. These profound moments are not just ceremonial, they are transformative experiences shaping the moral and spiritual foundation of the youth.
Through regular talks on spiritualism by Guruji and insightful sessions led by learned parents on Bhutan’s rich culture, history, and the noble duty of service to the King, Country, and People, the children are cultivating a profound appreciation for Bhutanese values such as love, compassion, unity, and responsibility. They are also developing awareness of national developments, opportunities, and challenges, preparing themselves to serve the nation as conscientious and capable future citizens.
Calling themselves ‘the chosen ones of Lord Krishna’ and followers in the footsteps of Buddha, Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma, the children proudly express their identity through their theme song. In it, they pledge to lead their lives in accordance with the wisdom and enlightened vision of His Majesty The King, who embodies these qualities and wisdom in human form. They affirm their sacred duty to nurture and preserve Bhutan as a blessed land, carrying forward its secular spiritual heritage and national values from generation to generation. The song is not merely a chant it is a lifelong commitment to uphold righteousness, compassion, and national service, guided both by the scriptures and the wisdom exemplified by His Majesty.
The spiritual journey of these young souls at Devi Panchayan Mandir is more than a weekly gathering, it is in fact a movement. A movement toward nurturing enlightened, culturally grounded, and patriotic citizens. It is a powerful reminder that when faith, culture, and national values come together in the hearts of our youth, the future of Bhutan is not only secure it is radiant.
The children have been blessed with Soelra from His Majesty The King on auspicious occasion of Dasain 2025. With hearts full of gratitude and excitement, they are now planning a special picnic on 2nd November 2025 a joyful celebration blending learning, spiritual practices, and prayers dedicated to His Majesty. Pooja, a participant from Bal Bikash, says “the event will not just be a picnic, but also a moment to express their tribute of love, loyalty, and reverence to the Golden Throne, and also a gratitude to the Hindu Dharma Samudya of Bhutan”.
Bal Bikash is not just shaping children it is shaping the destiny of our nation.
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