Yabchen Gyelpo, His Majesty the King Jigme
Singye Wangchuck was born on 11 November 1955 at Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu to
the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Grandmother Azhi
Kesang Choden Wangchuck. As the Crown Prince, he received western and
traditional education from various schools, colleges, and institutions all over
the world. His formal education began at Dechencholing Palace, when he was just
six-years old. Then he studied in St. Joseph’s College Darjeeling, India. At
the age of nine, he went to Heather down Prep School in England. He completed
his studies at the age of fourteen in 1969. He returned to the country and
started traditional educations in various schools. He joined Namselling Palace in
1969. He also attended Ugyen Wangchuck Academy at Satsham Chorten in Paro in
1970.
There is no need to mention about His
Majesty the Fourth King in detail because we all are aware of his great deeds. I
will mention important points as below:
- Appointed as Chairman of Planning Commission and looks after the Planned Five-Year Plans
- Appointed as the Trongsa Poenlop bestowing Yellow Scarf
- He was crowned as the Fourth King of Bhutan. In his Coronation Address, he stressed the need “to attain self-reliance and preserve Bhutan’s sovereignty and independence.”
- Rural Development projects such as first Irrigation Cannel was initiated in Khamdang under Trashi Yangtse
- His Majesty walked on foot from Doksum to Trashi Yangtse to celebrate National Day.
- His Majesty declared that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.
- Decentralization of the power
- The political reforms such as establishment of Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu and Gewog Yargye Tshogchung in 1981 and 1991 respectively
- Gave importance on education and Health
- Communications such as road and telecommunication services were given importance
- The culture and traditions of the country is preserved
- Travelled to every nook and corner of the country to meet with people
- The National Language Dzongkha got more attention from His Majesty
- The Environment is priority for His Majesty
- The Diplomatic Relations expanded
- Military Operation in Southern Bhutan
- Constitution of Bhutan
- Abdication of Golden Throne
- Establishment of Constitutional Democratic Monarchy and many more…
Long Live Our Beloved His Majesty the Fourth King. May your love and care for the people of Bhutan remain with us forever. Happy 60th Birth Anniversary.
