As the Dragon King’s historic visit to Australia came to a close, thousands of Bhutanese living abroad found themselves overwhelmed with emotion. The long-awaited royal audience, which many had dreamt of, passed all too quickly, leaving behind a mixture of joy, pride, and bittersweet tears. While the moments shared with His Majesty may have been fleeting, the memories created are indelible, along with the wisdom and guidance imparted during this special occasion.
The royal address delivered by His Majesty was rich with insights that left much to ponder. At its core, it reinforced the enduring values of Bhutanese society—tha-dam-tse (མཐའ་དམ་ཚིག) and lay-ju-dey (ལས་རྒྱུ་འབྲས), the preservation of unique traditions, and the importance of contributing to the nation’s progress.
The Pillars of Bhutanese Identity
At the heart of Bhutanese culture lies tha-dam-tse, a value that encapsulates loyalty, integrity, and the honoring of sacred commitments, whether to one’s nation, family, or community. For generations, this principle has been a foundation of Bhutanese life, and the recent royal visit was a powerful testament to the deep bond between the King and his people, even for those living far from home.
Lay-ju-dey, or the law of cause and effect, is equally vital, reminding Bhutanese citizens that actions have consequences, and these values have shaped the moral compass of the Bhutanese people for centuries. However, there is growing concern among the Bhutanese diaspora in countries like Australia that younger generations are becoming increasingly detached from these cultural roots. Many Bhutanese children born and raised in the West are more familiar with burgers than Bhutan’s national dish of ema datsi, and often prefer speaking English to Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language.
Nevertheless, the responsibility to pass on these core values to the next generation lies squarely with the parents. His Majesty’s visit served as a poignant reminder that maintaining Bhutanese identity begins at home, with small but meaningful gestures like having family meals together and ensuring that children attend community functions and religious programs to stay connected with Bhutanese traditions.
Gelephu: A Vision for the Future
Another highlight of His Majesty’s address was the ambitious vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a project that reflects his deep care and foresight for the future of Bhutan and its people. The city is set to become a hub that connects Bhutan with the wider world, symbolizing hope and aspiration for those who have yet to return to their homeland. His Majesty’s message was clear: the time spent abroad, in countries like Australia, should be seen as an invaluable investment in skills and knowledge that will be crucial for Bhutan’s development.
As the nation continues to grow, the need for expertise in areas such as technology, business, healthcare, and education will be greater than ever. Cities like Gelephu represent the future, and the skills gained abroad can play a significant role in building this future. His Majesty urged the Bhutanese diaspora to seize this opportunity to acquire as many skills as possible, which will benefit Bhutan in the years to come.
Contributions Beyond Borders
The diaspora’s contributions extend beyond skills and education. Remittances sent home by Bhutanese working abroad are crucial in bolstering Bhutan’s foreign currency reserves, which are essential for the country’s economy, particularly given its reliance on imports. His Majesty emphasized that while sending money back home may seem like a small act for those abroad, it has a profound impact on the nation’s economic health.
Moreover, with projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City, there are growing opportunities for investment. The development of bonds through the Druk Green Power Corporation and other initiatives offers Bhutanese abroad a chance to directly contribute to the nation’s progress. His Majesty encouraged those with even a small amount of savings to consider investing back in Bhutan, signaling that every contribution, no matter how small, can help build a brighter future for the country.
A Call to Preserve Bhutanese Identity
As the Dragon King’s visit drew to an emotional close, His Majesty left the Bhutanese diaspora with a heartfelt call to action: to never lose sight of their Bhutanese identity, no matter where they are in the world. For Bhutanese parents raising children abroad, this means instilling pride in their heritage and teaching the values of tha-dam-tse and lay-ju-dey.
One day, when the Bhutanese diaspora is ready to return home, His Majesty hopes they will do so as proud Bhutanese citizens, bringing with them the skills and values necessary to contribute to the nation’s continued progress. In doing so, they will honor their King, their country, and their people. And perhaps, in the future, the sight of tears in His Majesty’s eyes will be replaced with tears of joy, knowing that his people, no matter where they are, remain steadfast in their love and loyalty to Bhutan.
