BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
By Yeshi Lhadon
A historic moment unfolded as the Bhutanese community in Australia welcomed Their Majesties the King and the Gyaltsuen, and the Royal children during their Royal Tour across the cities of Perth, Canberra, and Sydney. Their Majesties meet with around 27,000 Bhutanese people, which was not merely a ceremonial event; it was a powerful reaffirmation of the deep bond between the King and his people, regardless of where they are in the world.
From the outset of the tour, the excitement among the Bhutanese diaspora was palpable. As the royal entourage visited each city, Bhutanese of all walks of life gathered with hearts brimming with anticipation and reverence. His Majestyโs speech during the tour, filled with wisdom and compassion, resonated deeply with the audience. His words highlighted the sacrifices made by the Bhutanese abroad and their enduring connection to their homeland, even as they built new lives in distant lands. He also emphasized the vital role of the diaspora in nation-building, particularly through the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at helping Bhutanese achieve their full potential.
The Royal Visit provided a platform for the Gelephu Mindfulness City team to showcase this visionary project, which His Majesty described as a way for Bhutanese both at home and abroad to actively participate in shaping the future of Bhutan. The teamโs presentation during the tour laid out how Bhutanese living abroad could contribute to the initiative, whether through investments, collaborations, or innovative ideas. His Majesty’s message was clear: even those living far from home have a crucial role in the country’s development.
In a packed stadium, the air was charged with excitement as His Majesty addressed the crowd. His speech touched on themes of unity, cultural pride, and collective responsibility. “It felt like we were in Bhutan,” shared Leki Pelzang, a consulting engineer based in Perth. “For a moment, it was as if we were celebrating National Day. His Majestyโs speech reminded us of our roots and our responsibilities, no matter how far we may be from home.” This sentiment echoed throughout the Bhutanese community, as His Majestyโs words underscored the enduring bond between the King and his people, transcending borders and oceans.
Leki, who has lived in Australia for three years, was visibly moved by His Majestyโs message. “I often struggle with guilt, feeling like I abandoned Bhutan after receiving so much. His Majestyโs words reassured me that we are not forgotten and that we, too, have an important role to play.” This powerful reminder of their place in Bhutanโs ongoing story touched many in the diaspora, who have long felt torn between their adopted homes and the country of their birth.
Similarly, Sona Dem, a graduate from Gedu College who is now pursuing her Masters of Professional Accounting in Perth, was deeply inspired by the visit. “Itโs crucial for us to avoid debates about who is doing better, those in Bhutan or those abroad. Instead, we should unite in support of His Majestyโs vision for GMC and focus on financial planning and investment opportunities that will shape our shared future,” she said. Her words emphasized that solidarity and forward-thinking are essential for the progress of Bhutan and its people.
The Royal Tour also held special significance for the younger generation of Bhutanese living abroad, many of whom were meeting Their Majesties for the first time. For them, the visit reinforced their sense of purpose and identity. Lekiโs seven-year-old son, in awe of His Majesty during a rainy evening in Perth, remarked, “Dad, why does everyone have a raincoat but not His Majesty? Oh! I know why, heโs so powerful that rain doesnโt wet him!” This moment allowed Leki to explain to his son the depth of His Majestyโs sacrifices for his people, planting seeds of pride and understanding in the next generation.
For youths growing up abroad, like Kuenzang Choden, a student in Perth, the Royal Family’s presence was transformative. “Seeing our King in person brings a renewed sense of pride in our heritage, making me feel connected to home despite being far away. The visit reminded us that we are part of something larger, and our shared love for our King and culture bridges the distance between us and Bhutan,” she said. Her words highlight the profound sense of unity and identity that Bhutanese, no matter where they are, continue to cherish.
This sentiment of unity was echoed across the Australian continent, where Bhutanese of all walks of life attended the Royal Tour events. Kinley, a former civil servant from Bhutan now working as a training facilitator in Canberra, attended the royal audience on October 13, 2024. “Just having a glimpse of Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses was memorable enough,” he said. “But His Majesty giving us time made it even more special. It reinforced the unique bond we share with our King, no matter where we live.”
Kinley reflected on how this visit reaffirmed the sense of identity that Bhutanese abroad hold dear. “His Majestyโs vision for securing Bhutanโs future is inspiring. The Royal Tour has united us, showing that even in a foreign land, we are connected to our roots.” His words spoke to the heart of what this Royal Visit represented for the Bhutanese in Australia: a tangible reminder that they are never forgotten, and that they remain an integral part of Bhutanโs future.
Similarly, Tshering Dorji, a warehouse worker in Brisbane, recounted his magical experience. “The moment I saw Their Majesties, I was filled with excitement and happiness. It was heartwarming to witness our culture and heritage celebrated on an international platform. It inspired me to carry forward the pride I have in being Bhutanese, even while living abroad.” Tshering spoke of how the Royal Tour deeply resonated with Bhutanese youths. “Many of us have grown up abroad and may not have had the opportunity to meet His Majesty before. Hearing His heartfelt messages and feeling the love he has for his people connected us deeply with our Bhutanese roots.”
For Bhutanese who have lived far from home for years, the Royal Tour was nothing short of a dream come true. “It felt like the most homely feeling away from home,” said Tshering. “We love our King and our Royal Family. Their visit was a source of immense pride, and it filled us with the strength to do better and be better in everything we do.”
As the Royal Visit progressed, the presentation on the Gelephu Mindfulness City project became a focal point for many in the audience. The GMC project, which aims to provide a nurturing environment for Bhutanese to achieve their full potential, struck a chord with those present. His Majesty emphasized that initiatives like GMC, along with opportunities such as the recent issuance of bonds, offer Bhutanese abroad tangible ways to contribute to the nationโs development. This call to action inspired many in the diaspora to think deeply about how they could participate in shaping Bhutanโs future, even from afar.
In the words of Kuenzang Choden, the Royal Tour holds deep significance for Bhutanese living abroad. “It reaffirms the bond we share with our King. His presence is a powerful reminder of our cultural roots, and it strengthens our unity as a community. Despite the distance, we remain closely connected to Bhutan.”
As the Royal Tour came to a close in Perth, the Bhutanese community in Australia was left with a renewed sense of unity, pride, and hope for the future. His Majesty the Kingโs visit was a powerful reminder that no matter the distance, Bhutanese abroad are never forgotten. The bond between the King and his people, transcending borders and oceans, remains strong and unbreakable.
Kinley expressed his heartfelt thanks, saying, “We are very grateful for the visit. It will remain a cherished memory throughout my life.” Similarly, Sona Dem offered her thanks and encouraged her fellow Bhutanese to rally behind His Majestyโs vision. “We should unite and support His Majestyโs efforts to build the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Investment opportunities like the issuance of bonds are crucial for the development of our country, and we must focus on them to shape our shared future.”
For Kuenzang, the Royal Familyโs visit has left a lasting impact. “To His Majesty and the Royal Family, my heartfelt gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you for taking the time to meet us so far from home. Your unwavering care for your people, both at home and abroad, gives us strength and pride.”
