On October 12, 2024, over a thousand Bhutanese residing in Sydney and nearby regions were blessed with an extraordinary and momentous occasion; the sacred privilege of a royal audience with His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and the Royal Family, marking a historic first on Australian soil. His Majesty, through his gracious kindness, also brought along some sacred nangtens, granting us the rare and invaluable opportunity to receive blessings from these precious relics.
For those fortunate to partake in this momentous occasion, it was an experience that will be indelibly etched in our memories-a moment so profound, heartfelt and moving. It was a profound testament of Damtshi-the deep, unshakable bond between a King and His People. It was a heartfelt display of Güzhab, the unwavering respect of the Bhutanese people to our King. It was a moving reflection of Jamtse, the boundless love and compassion of a King for his subjects. Australia may now be a place of new opportunities for thousands of Bhutanese, but the call of Bhutan remains ever present, whispering softly in our hearts. Bhutan will always be our Phayül, our blessed homeland, and His Majesty, our Drinchengi Gongm, our benevolent leader.
At the heart of this visit is also the significance of the Bhutan-Australia friendship, a relationship that has only grown stronger over the years. Australia has long been a valued partner of Bhutan, offering educational opportunities to hundreds of Bhutanese students and professionals. The Bhutanese community in Australia, now a vibrant and thriving part of the diaspora, stands as a testament to this enduring partnership. From students pursuing higher education to skilled professionals in various fields, Bhutanese have made significant contributions to the fabric of Australian society. And yet, these recent years, especially in the wake of the pandemic, have seen an unprecedented, often termed “exodus”, an overwhelming surge of Bhutanese seeking new lives in Australia.
Some call it the “Australian Dream”. It is a dream shaped by the desire to upgrade qualifications, secure financial stability, and offer a better life for children and families back home. The dream, though not served on a platter, is tangible, and yet, it is also a bittersweet reality. As thousands leave for brighter horizons, we face a growing concern back home, the depletion of our talent especially in critical sectors like healthcare and education. Nurses, teachers, and other professionals, whose skills and dedication are crucial to Bhutan’s development, are among those drawn abroad. It is a tension felt by many of us who cherish our nation’s progress yet understand the individual need for growth and financial stability.
During his Royal Address, His Majesty spoke with clarity and conviction about the future of our country. His words, like always, reflected His concern (Thugi Tshagey) and carried a weight of responsibility (Genkhu), not just for the foreseeable future, but for perpetuity. His Majesty mentioned that during His nearly two decades of reign, He has personally visited every corner of Bhutan, gaining an intimate understanding of both the nation’s strengths and weaknesses. This hands-on experience, He emphasised, has given Him deep insight into the character and potential of the Bhutanese people. His Majesty stated that the decision to initiate the Gelephu Mindfulness City project stemmed from his profound faith in the Bhutanese people’s capability. He expressed that if He had no confidence in our potential, He would never have embarked on such an ambitious project in the first place. “I see an extraordinary future for us,” reaffirmed His Majesty, “and we have certain sovereign prerogatives that we can exercise. I have no time to waste. Mine is strictly business, strictly work. Like my father, I want to retire early. I have no intention of staying on beyond the time required. I have around 15 to 16 years left, and I want to make the most of it,” reiterated His Majesty.
His Majesty’s address wasn’t just a traditional royal address, it felt more like a warm family gathering, where a caring parent speaks openly with his children about shared concerns. His Majesty’s words were filled with empathy and understanding, offering comfort alongside guidance. He acknowledged the struggles we face abroad, the sacrifices we make, and the support we continue to provide for our families and our country. His call to action encouraged us to learn from our experiences abroad and bring back the wisdom and ideas to strengthen and uplift our beloved homeland.
It is in these moments of reflection that we must anchor ourselves to our roots. Being Bhutanese means more than just carrying a passport or wearing gho and kira; it is carrying the values instilled in us by our ancestors—the values of Thadamtshi ‘loyalty and allegiance’ and Leyjudrey ‘laws of cause and effect’; the values of Chikthün ‘unity’ and Chikdrel ‘solidarity’; the values of Jampa ‘loving-kindness’ and Tsewa ‘affection/compassion’; and finally of Rewa ‘hope’ and Mölam ‘aspiration’ to fulfill the noble vision of His Majesty The King. It means recognising that even in our individual successes, we are part of a larger, national dream.
As we listened to His Majesty’s kalop ‘words of wisdom’; we were reminded that the journey ahead is not about choosing between Bhutan and abroad. Rather, it is about finding a balance. It is as much about finding ways to give back, to stay connected, and to contribute to the greater narrative of Bhutan, no matter where we are. Whether we return home, or support Bhutan from afar, we remain an inseparable part of the nation’s future. And echoing the words of His Majesty again, what role we play and how we want to be benefited depends on ourselves. We should be the entrepreneurs and the co-creators.
So, as we reflect on this momentous royal audience we remember and cherish the pride of being Bhutanese. We cherish the blessings of a King who leads with wisdom and heart. We cherish the vision and belief that we are not just individuals scattered across the globe, we are a community, a nation, bound by the love of our country and our King, and guided by the timeless values that make us who we are. And above all, reinforces our confidence in our collective future.
“It’s always difficult to say goodbye,” concluded His Majesty, his voice heavy with emotion and his eyes reflecting a deep sense of care and concern. And as Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Yangdon Wangchuck, just one year old, blew flying kisses, the audience, already overwhelmed with emotions, burst with tears of joy. And among them stood the Australian security guard, awe-struck by the outpouring of emotions he had likely never witnessed before, removed his glasses to also wipe a tear he probably will find it hard to explain. But to us Bhutanese, it is the soul of our nation-this unconditional love and faith, the seed of the “sovereign prerogative”.
But one line that resonated deeply with me, carrying a significant weight of responsibility, is His Majesty’s powerful declaration: “LET’S GET WORK DONE”. This call to action struck a profound chord, reminding us that while the bonds of love and faith are paramount, the path forward requires our unwavering commitment to progress. Together, we are inspired to transform these emotions into meaningful actions for our country’s future.
Contributed by Kuenga Lhendup PhD Candidate in Linguistics University of Sydney