Fourth Druk Gyalpo; Celebrating the Father of Bhutan and gift of Democracy to Bhutanese People

Email

His Majesty the Fourth King at the age of 16, On a way to a conference abroad, he was asked by a journalist, what is Bhutan’s GNP. He replied that, for Bhutan, “GNH is more important than Gross National Product”, thus giving birth to the term, “Gross National Happiness” or simply GNH.

Fourth Druk Gyalpo; Celebrating the Father of Bhutan and gift of Democracy to Bhutanese People

Early Age

His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th King, was born on 11 November 1955 in Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu. His Majesty has received his early education from private tutors, schools in India and the U.K., and the Ugyen Wangchuck Academy in Paro. The young prince learned of the affairs of the nation by attending cabinet sessions and official proceedings and came to know the people of Bhutan by undertaking long journeys across the country with his father. 


His Majesty the fourth King at Early age with His Father The third King 
His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo assumed the Golden Throne in 1974, at the age of 19. His Majesty the fourth king of Bhutan was recognized as, In the early years of his reign, he told the world that Gross National Happiness (GNH) is much more important than Gross National Product (GDP). It was not just a feel-good philosophy.

Coronation Day 

Today, this development philosophy reverberates around the world. GNH has not only offered a higher goal for development, but it has also become a reminder to the rest of the world that material well-being is inadequate. What is more important is that people are happy.

Decentralization and Democracy

In 1981 Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu consisting of elected members was established to decide on the development priorities of the individual's districts and a decade later in 1991 the process was taken a step further with the establishment of Gewog Yargay Tshochung. These bodies worked to promote the democratic processes by giving the responsibilities of decision making to the grassroots. The gup election of 1998 is also a significant achievement of the fourth king.


His Majesty on Royal Tour 

In 1998 he delegated full executive powers to the cabinet and directed the National Assembly to devise a new system that would introduce a vote of confidence in the king. Consequently, on march 26,2005, Bhutan unveiled its draft constitutional democracy. The following year he abdicated the throne in favour of his son.


Crowning of Present King of Bhutan  

“It is the system, not the important throne. Monarchy is not the best form of government because a King is chosen by birth and not by merit. The people of Bhutan must be able to establish a system that works for them,” he convinced his people.



Related Posts

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia...

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as...

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

All You Need to Know About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The kingdom of Bhutan is planning to develop a "mindfulness city" covering about 2.5% of its land, which is larger than...

Feb 08, 2024 10:42

Bhutanese artist wins one of Asia's top art contests

The International Artist Grand Prize Competition is held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Oct 04, 2023 18:19

Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition Now Open to Public

'Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck

Sep 19, 2023 18:56

Bhutanese Students Get Ready to Compete In First Global Robotic...

Five students from Bhutan will compete in the First Global Robotic Competition in Singapore, which is themed Hydrogen...

Sep 14, 2023 13:51

Latest

News

Royal Inauguration of Changyul Park

On August 23, 2024, Changyul Park in Changzamtok, Thimphu, was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony graced by His Majesty the King,...

Nov 12, 2024 11:02

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step in expanding the...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the...

Nov 08, 2024 15:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app