𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

…𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚’𝒔 𝒖𝒑𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.

By Yeshey Lhadon

In a momentous occasion that promises to resonate deeply within the hearts of the Bhutanese community across Australia, His Majesty The King of Bhutan will embark on his historic visit to Australia from October 10 to October 18, 2024. This visit not only marks the first direct engagement between His Majesty and the Bhutanese diaspora but also signifies the enduring bond between Bhutan and Australia.

Thus the Bhutanese community in Australia is abuzz with excitement as they prepare to welcome His Majesty The King.The royal visit, described as a symbol of unity and hope for Bhutanese abroad, has sparked a deep sense of pride and anticipation among the diaspora.

Lungten Jamtsho, a 33-year-old toilet cleaner who has lived in Australia for two years, shared his heartfelt reflections on this significant event. Originally a teacher in Bhutan, Lungten Jamtsho expressed his expectations for the upcoming royal visit, emphasizing its profound importance to the Bhutanese community.

“To have the King, whom we revere not only as a leader but as a father and guide, grace the lives of so many Bhutanese living abroad is a moment of unparalleled significance,”said Lungten.

He highlighted the values embodied by His Majesty, stating that “the warmth, wisdom, and compassion that our beloved King embodies have always been a source of strength and inspiration for all of us.” He added, “To witness this same spirit being shared with the Bhutanese community in Australia, a nation that has warmly embraced so many of our brothers and sisters, fills us with great hope and gratitude.”

As the diaspora eagerly awaits the royal arrival, Lungten reflected on the values of kindness, humility, and wisdom that His Majesty continually teaches. “Your presence in Australia will not only deepen the bond between two countries but will also strengthen the spirit of Bhutanese unity and identity, no matter how far we may be from home,” he said.

Sonam, a 26-year-old Bhutanese student who relocated to Australia over a year ago, embodies the excitement surrounding the Royal Visit. After completing her studies at Gedu College, she set off in search of educational and professional opportunities. “I tried applying for jobs back home, but things didn’t work out as expected,” she shares, reflecting on her decision to migrate.

Despite the challenges of living abroad, Sonam has maintained her connection to Bhutanese culture through community events and celebrations. “I often feel homesick, especially during traditional festivities,” she admits. The upcoming Royal Audience is her first opportunity to meet His Majesty in person. “This visit feels like a blessing. I can’t wait to be in his presence and draw inspiration from him,” she expresses, her enthusiasm evident.

Sonam sees the Royal Visit as an opportunity to reignite her passion for contributing to her homeland. “I believe after the Royal Audience, many of us will feel more motivated to work for the betterment of Bhutan, especially with initiatives like the Mindfulness City back home,” she reflects. The visit, in her eyes, will be a catalyst for renewed commitment to the values she holds dear.

Among those eagerly preparing for the Royal Audience is 33-year-old Jigme Jamtsho, who moved to Australia a year and a half ago with his family. Before relocating, Jigme served as the principal of Bukkey Primary School in Samtse, Bhutan, where he dedicated himself to the academic development of his students and the overall growth of the school. “My time as a principal was incredibly fulfilling,” Jigme reflects. “I poured my heart into the school and was proud to see the positive changes we were able to bring to the community.”

Now living in Canberra with his wife and young son, Jigme has been looking forward to His Majesty’s visit with great anticipation. “Being new to Australia, my family and I miss the warmth of home, the culture, and the connection we had with our community in Bhutan,” he explains. “The visit of His Majesty feels like a blessing, as if we are being embraced by our homeland once again.” For Jigme, this visit is not just a significant personal event, it is a historic occasion for all Bhutanese living in Australia.

For parents like Jigme, the Royal Audience holds special significance for the younger generation. Jigme’s five-year-old son, although lives abroad, knows and respects His Majesty deeply. “He has never had the opportunity to see His Majesty in person, and I believe this visit will be an unforgettable moment for him. It will help him understand and connect with our culture and our King,” Jigme said.

Jigme also believes the Royal Visit will have a profound impact on the Bhutanese community in Australia, reminding them of the values that define them as Bhutanese people, kindness, respect, and unity. “We may be far from home, but this visit will remind us of who we are and the values we hold dear,” Jigme says with conviction. He also sees His Majesty’s presence as a powerful source of inspiration for Bhutanese citizens, especially for those who are navigating the complexities of living abroad.

Jigme himself is part of the Desuung crowd management team, tasked with ensuring that the Royal Audience is a well-organized and memorable event. “The entire Bhutanese community in Canberra is coming together to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Jigme explains. “We’ve set up teams to handle the crowd, manage traffic, and take care of the logistics. It’s a community effort, and we’re all working toward a common goal, to make His Majesty’s visit a success.”

For Jigme, like many others, the Royal Visit is not only a moment to be in the presence of their King but also an opportunity to strengthen their cultural ties and renew their commitment to Bhutan. “Being in the presence of His Majesty will be overwhelming,” Jigme says. “It’s a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life. It will remind us all of who we are and the traditions we carry with us.”

For both Sonam and Jigme, maintaining cultural connections in Australia is paramount. They actively participate in cultural events, celebrating significant occasions like National Day and Losar, to keep their heritage alive. “These gatherings help us remember where we come from and reinforce our identity as Bhutanese,” Jigme explains.

Sonam echoes this sentiment. “We often compare our experiences here to what we know from home. It’s a way to stay grounded and connected to our roots,” she notes. The Royal Visit is expected to deepen these bonds within the community, serving as a reminder of their shared identity and the importance of cultural preservation.

Another member of the Bhutanese community preparing for the Royal Visit is 24-year-old Chencho Bidha. After completing her studies at Paro College of Education, she became an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights and engaged in youth volunteer work back home. Now residing in Australia for eight months, Chencho views the upcoming Royal Audience as a deeply meaningful opportunity.

“I have high expectations for the wisdom His Majesty will share with us,” she states. “His insights will inspire us to adopt innovative ideas and entrepreneurial mindsets that we can take back to Bhutan.” Chencho sees the visit as an opportunity to reflect on how she can contribute to her country’s development.

Maintaining a connection to her Bhutanese culture is crucial for Chencho. “We actively participate in cultural events and celebrations, which help us stay connected to our heritage,” she added. The Royal Visit will serve as a moment of unity and pride for the Bhutanese community, encouraging them to embrace their roots while striving for personal and professional growth.

Sangye Taenzin, a 37-year-old educator studying in Australia for 14 months, expresses profound excitement about the Royal Visit. He believes that His Majesty’s presence creates a unique aura that resonates deeply with any Bhutanese individual. “Being in His Majesty’s presence is spiritually uplifting. It brings a sense of comfort and connection,” he explains.

Sangye believes that the visit will help reinforce the community’s understanding of the importance of protecting and valuing their cultural heritage. “His Majesty’s words will serve as a reminder that we must uphold our values while navigating life in a foreign land,” he emphasizes. The Royal Visit is an opportunity to reflect on the essence of Bhutanese identity and the shared commitment to preserving their culture.

Karma Chophel, a 26-year-old store manager who has lived in Australia for over a year, shares his personal perspective on the Royal Visit. Having previously worked with the Youth Development Fund (YDF) in Bhutan, he feels a strong connection to His Majesty. “We feel that we are still connected, loved, and taken care of by His Majesty,” he said, emphasizing the emotional significance of the visit.

Karma acknowledges the challenges faced by the Bhutanese community, particularly regarding visa and immigration issues. “I hope that His Majesty will address these concerns during his visit,” he added. The Royal Visit symbolizes not just cultural preservation but also the practical challenges of living abroad.

For Karma, the visit serves as an inspiration for the younger generation of Bhutanese. “It encourages us to stay connected to our heritage while striving for success in Australia,” he said. This dual commitment to cultural preservation and personal growth is a common thread among many in the community.
As the Royal Visit approaches, the Bhutanese community in Australia is uniting in preparation for this historic occasion. Various committees have been established to ensure that the events surrounding the Royal Audience are well-organized and memorable.

Community members are actively involved in logistics, crowd management, and event planning, demonstrating a shared commitment to welcoming Their Majesties. “We’re all coming together to make this visit a success,” Jigme Jamtsho reiterated. The collective enthusiasm surrounding the Royal Visit paints the importance of this occasion for the entire community.

In addition to the Royal Audiences, the Bhutanese community plans to organize cultural showcases that highlight their rich heritage. These events will feature traditional music, dance, and art, allowing community members to express their cultural identity while honoring their homeland.

“Participating in these cultural showcases is a way for us to share our traditions with others,” Sonam explains. “It’s an opportunity to show the beauty of Bhutanese culture while fostering connections with the broader Australian community.” The cultural showcases will serve as a platform for community members to come together, share their stories, and celebrate their unique heritage.

The Royal Visit represents more than just a celebration of Bhutanese culture; it is a reaffirmation of identity and heritage for the diaspora. Like many migrant communities, the Bhutanese face the challenge of preserving their cultural identity while adapting to life in a new country. His Majesty’s visit serves as a beacon of hope, reminding them of their roots and the importance of maintaining their traditions.

As the Bhutanese community prepares to welcome Their Majesties, there is a collective recognition of the need to remain united. The Royal Visit is an opportunity to come together, reflect on their journeys, and reaffirm their commitment to cultural preservation.

“His Majesty’s visit will inspire us to cherish our identity and values, especially in a world that often pushes for assimilation,” Sangye stated. The need for unity and collaboration resonates strongly within the community, with many recognizing that their strength lies in their shared experiences and cultural heritage.

As anticipation builds for the Royal Visit, community members are eager to embrace the future with renewed commitment to their homeland. The event serves as a reminder of the responsibilities they carry as representatives of Bhutanese culture and values in Australia.

“I believe this visit will inspire us to work towards creating a better future for Bhutan,” Chencho Bidha reflects. “We all have the potential to contribute positively to our homeland, whether through advocacy, education, or entrepreneurship.”

Passang Zam, a 31-year-old student living in Australia for four years, shared her insights about the upcoming royal visit. Previously, she worked as a field officer at Renew Microfinance in Bhutan. Passang expressed her excitement about meeting His Majesty and emphasized the importance of his visit for the Bhutanese community: “I’m excited to meet and listen to our king’s advice. This visit helps in building relationships among Bhutanese here.”

When asked about how she maintains her connection to Bhutanese culture while living abroad, Passang mentioned her regular interactions with friends, watching Bhutanese movies, and wearing traditional dress.
The Royal Visit will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for personal growth and community engagement. As members of the Bhutanese diaspora come together to honour the King, they are also taking steps toward shaping their identities and futures in a meaningful way.

The Royal Visit is poised to reignite the cultural flames of the Bhutanese community, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their heritage, and engage with their King in a manner that many have only dreamed of. As excitement builds, the diaspora prepares for an event that will celebrate the shared history and cultural identity while reflecting on the journey that has led them far from home.

The ties between Bhutan and Australia date back to the 1960s with the establishment of the Colombo Plan, a regional initiative aimed at fostering economic development and cooperation. Over the decades, the relationship has blossomed, particularly in education and sustainable development. Today, Australia is home to the largest Bhutanese diaspora, comprising thousands of individuals who have sought better opportunities in education and employment.

The significance of this visit is not just political; it represents a cultural homecoming for many Bhutanese. His Majesty’s presence serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and values that define Bhutanese identity. The Royal Visit will reinforce the importance of maintaining these ties, fostering unity within the diaspora while showcasing the vibrancy of Bhutanese culture in a foreign land.

One of the highlights of His Majesty’s visit is the scheduled Royal Audiences in key cities: Sydney on October 12, Canberra on October 13, and Perth on October 16.