In a landmark eight-day visit, His Majesty The King, accompanied by the Royal family, reshaped the conventional understanding of Royal visits and international diplomacy. The journey to Australia, which included engagements with Bhutanese citizens abroad, underscored the strength of the Bhutanese diaspora, while reaffirming a profound national identity.
For many, the Royal family’s interaction with approximately 26,000 Bhutanese living in Australia was a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between the King and his people. This relationship is more than symbolic—it is a living example of the unity that transcends geographic boundaries. Despite being thousands of miles from home, the Bhutanese community in Australia has remained closely knit, and this visit deepened that bond, offering reassurance that the Monarch serves as a continuing embodiment of the Bhutanese family, one that has now expanded globally.
Social media captured the excitement and heartfelt emotions surrounding the visit. Images and stories flooded online platforms as the Bhutanese diaspora gathered in public spaces to welcome their King, celebrating with the same vigor and enthusiasm seen during National Day festivities back in Bhutan. Dressed in traditional gho and kira, the diaspora momentarily stepped away from their lives in Australia to immerse themselves in these special moments, emphasizing the significance of the visit.
Australians and onlookers unfamiliar with the Bhutanese ethos were taken aback by the spontaneous and passionate response of the people to the Royal visit. Unlike typical immigrant narratives, where individuals often distance themselves from their homelands, Bhutanese nationals remain deeply connected to their roots, a connection that many outside observers admitted they could not fully comprehend.
Central to this bond is the concept of tha damtshi—a deeply ingrained sense of duty and fidelity that governs relationships in Bhutanese culture. Whether between the King and the people, leaders and citizens, or even within families, this principle is the foundation of Bhutanese society. It is a reciprocal relationship that ensures not only the functioning of governance but also the wellbeing of the entire society.
During his stay, His Majesty met with key Australian dignitaries, including the Governor-General, Prime Minister, and the Premier of Western Australia. For decades, Australia has played an important role in Bhutan’s development by educating Bhutanese students, many of whom have returned home to contribute to the nation’s progress. However, the heart of this visit was not diplomatic; it was personal.
His Majesty’s audiences with the Bhutanese diaspora were an opportunity to discuss Bhutan’s future and the growing role the diaspora can play in it. The King shared plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), an ambitious project that aims to create a modern, mindful urban center. He encouraged Bhutanese living abroad to stay engaged with developments back home and continue contributing to Bhutan’s evolution.
The Royal visit had a particularly intimate touch, as His Majesty recognized and greeted many individuals by name, including those who had been away from Bhutan for over a decade. His pride in their achievements abroad was evident, as was the diaspora’s eagerness to engage in discussions about Bhutan’s transformation.
From practical questions about the environmental challenges of building in Gelephu’s subtropical climate to concerns about flooding in the region, it was clear that the diaspora is in tune with home. They were keen to understand the investment landscape, the introduction of a new currency, and the proposed ORO Bank. Additionally, many were interested in the evolving international partnerships that Bhutan is forging, including India’s role in the GMC project.
While many Bhutanese expressed a desire to return home eventually, His Majesty emphasized the importance of patience and preparedness. He encouraged the diaspora to focus on gaining skills and experience before making the move. At the same time, the responsibility lies with Bhutanese society and the GMC management to create job opportunities and an environment conducive to the return of young professionals eager to contribute to nation-building.
The commitment from the diaspora was palpable, both in person and online, yet there was a collective understanding that these changes would take time. Many who have gained exposure abroad were urged not to wait passively for opportunities but to actively shape Bhutan’s future. The influence of Bhutanese abroad is already visible through modern initiatives such as trendy eateries, technology startups, and the introduction of new skills and products to the Bhutanese market.
As the emotions stirred by the visit begin to settle, the work of realizing Bhutan’s Royal vision has already commenced. It is a vision that is not without challenges. While many of the older generation hold fast to the values of tha damtshi, younger Bhutanese—both at home and abroad—may need guidance to understand the depth of their cultural roots.
Experts from the recent Bhutan Innovation Forum are optimistic about the future, asserting that Bhutan is uniquely positioned to pull off ambitious projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The path to a prosperous Bhutan, they say, is paved by the combination of global expertise and the unwavering faith that the Bhutanese people have in their Royal family.
This historic visit was more than a diplomatic affair; it was a testament to the unity, identity, and continuity of Bhutanese culture across the world. For Bhutanese in Australia and beyond, the Royal family’s presence was a reminder that their connection to Bhutan remains strong, no matter how far they may travel.
