Thinley Namgay
Bhutanese communities across Australia are brimming with excitement as they prepare for His Majesty’s state visit from October 10 to 18. The visit, which includes stops in Sydney, Canberra, and Perth, has sparked a wave of joy and anticipation among Bhutanese living in Australia.
Social media is abuzz with heartfelt messages and emotional posts, reflecting the deep bond between His Majesty and his people, regardless of distance. The upcoming visit highlights the strong connection and love the Bhutanese hold for their King and their homeland.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, His Majesty will meet with Australian government and business leaders, as well as Bhutanese living in Australia.
His Majesty will visit Sydney on October 12, Canberra on October 13, and Perth on October 16, to meet with the Bhutanese diaspora. Details of the time and venue for the Royal audiences are yet to be announced by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra.
“The Royal visit reflects His Majesty’s deep care and concern for Bhutanese abroad, including the diaspora in Australia. Thus, it will be a priority during the Royal visit to accommodate every Bhutanese wanting to be part of the Royal audiences,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
A former journalist, Gopilal Acharya, who currently lives in Perth, said the news about His Majesty’s visit has sent ripples of joy among Bhutanese living in Australia. “The visit is hugely significant for all of us. It is an opportunity to renew our collective covenant with our beloved Monarch and forge a deeper sense of engagement with our motherland.”
“Listening to His Majesty’s vision for Bhutan’s future, our collective future, is something we are all looking forward to,” he added. “His Majesty the King is a father figure to all Bhutanese, and one can imagine how happy children feel when their father comes home to hold them in his gentle embrace.”
The Royal visit is also seen as a gesture of appreciation for Australia’s longstanding support to Bhutan. Since the 1960s, Australia has been instrumental in Bhutan’s international engagements, including its membership in the Colombo Plan and the United Nations.
Today, Australia hosts the largest community of Bhutanese living abroad. In 2023, around 12,622 Bhutanese students were enrolled in Australian universities, making Bhutan the 14th largest source country for international students in Australia. This figure excludes family members or other companions.
The managing director at Kingston International College, Tandin Dorji, said that His Majesty’s visit reinforces the bonds between Bhutan and Australia. “Australia has been a generous host, providing education and opportunities for Bhutanese. His Majesty’s visit will strengthen this relationship and inspire the diaspora,” he said.
He said that His Majesty’s presence in Australia will be a source of great pride for the Bhutanese diaspora, as it reaffirms the care and attention that the beloved King has for Bhutanese citizens, no matter where they reside. “The Bhutanese community in Australia looks forward to welcoming His Majesty with heartfelt enthusiasm and gratitude.”
The visit is also stirring preparations among the Bhutanese community. A former editor with Business Bhutan, Tashi Dorji, said that many are taking leave from work to attend the Royal audience. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us,” he remarked.
Another student at Murdoch University said that Bhutanese students have requested the management to call off classes during His Majesty’s state visit. “Bhutanese students in Australia are leaving no stone unturned to receive the audience with His Majesty the King.”