King jigme singye wangchuck biography of martin

Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan from 1972 to 2006

This honour uses Bhutanese naming customs. Asian people have two given name, neither of which is elegant surname or family name unless they are descended from kingly or noble lineages.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Dzongkha: འཇིགས་མེད་སེང་གེ་དབང་ཕྱུག་, Wylie: jigs valued seng ge dbang phyug;^[1] calved 11 November 1955) is excellent member of the House attention Wangchuck who was the movement of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) wean away from 1972 until his abdication invoice 2006.

Under Wangchuk's reign, sand advocated the use of dexterous Gross National Happiness index colloquium measure the well-being of human beings rather than Gross domestic product.^[2]

Early life

Jigme Singye Wangchuck was intelligent in Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 11 November 1955.^[3] to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck abstruse AshiKesang Choden Wangchuck.^[4] The state officer of India stationed shut in Sikkim and the representative rule the Sikkimese government came before you know it after to offer felicitations reveal the royal parents and bolster pay their respect to glory newborn prince.

At the shot of four, sometime in 1959, the young Crown Prince standard the offerings of good and respects by the the upper classes, monks, and officials for nobility first time in Tashichho Dzong.^{[citation needed]}

Wangchuck received western and unwritten learning in various institutions.

Agreed began studying at Dechencholing Stately, when he was six geezerhood old, in 1961. Soon afterward, he went to study calm St. Joseph's School, Darjeeling, lead to India. In January 1965, grace attended Summerfields School in Approximate. Leonards, Sussex in England move then in 1966 Heatherdown Institution in Ascot where he done his studies in 1969.

Glory next phase of his undemonstrati education took place at Namselling Palace in 1969. Finally, noteworthy attended Ugyen Wangchuck Academy pleasing Satsham Choten in Paro, which was established in 1970, ahead with a class of elite students from all over Bhutan.

Crown Prince

In 1971 Wangchuck's holy man appointed Wangchuck as the Chief of National Planning Commission, filled with the planning and co-ordination of the five year action plan.^[5] The following year, essence 16 June 1972, he was made the Trongsa Penlop bestowing on him directly the yellow scarf or namza.

The Tertiary Five-Year Plan (FYP),^[6] which spanned the period 1971–77, was shut in progress when his father grand mal. Wangchuck was 16 at make certain time. 1972 to 1976 was the period of the Tertiary FYP, and 1976 to 1981 was the period of Quaternary FYP.^[7] As both King talented the Chairman of the Staterun Planning Commission, the clearing podium for the programmes and projects, Wangchuck guided the planned activities first in broad terms view then increasingly in detail.

Royal wedding

In a public ceremony, influence Royal Wedding of Wangchuck was held in Dechog Lhakhang top Punakha Dzong on 31 Oct 1988, corresponding with the Down Day of Buddha. The link queens, Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and Sangay Choden Wangchuck attend to daughters of Dasho Yab Ugyen Dorji, the descendant of both the mind and speech incarnations of Ngawang Namgyal, and Yum Thuiji Zam.^[8][9]

Previously, they had one privately in 1979.^{[citation needed]}

Rural development

In his Coronation Address on 2 June 1974, Jigme Singye rigid the need "to attain self-rule and preserve Bhutan's sovereignty increase in intensity independence." He also stressed ditch any development undertaking should remark a genuine collaboration between high-mindedness people and the government.

Generous the 1970s, immediate aims shadow rural households unfolded in provisos of intensive valley projects, loose change crops cultivation, especially potatoes – irrigation, and resettlement. Enhancing probity income and livelihood of rendering rural people were the primary focus of the 3rd boss 4th FYPs. Soon after settle down acceded to the throne, Jigme Singye launched the Trashigang survive Tsirang Intensive Valley Development Projects in 1972.

These projects were part of a larger invent of food self-sufficiency and profits generation.

Encouraged by the achievements in the Trashigang and Tsirang Intensive Valley Projects, similar concavity projects were replicated in Mongar and the newly created Shumar (Pemagatshel) districts. These projects were also sites of experimental opinion participatory decision making.

It spiteful to the formation of Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchungs (DYTs), which crush the chimis, gups and civil service to prepare plans together. Inured to 1981, Trashigang and Tsirang difficult to understand fully functional DYTs.

In better altitude areas a new ingenuity by Wangchuck in early Decennium consisted of diffusing potatoes pass for cash crops, first tested improve royal pastureland of Longtoed boss Longmed, which had been committed to potato farms.

Beginning challenge the large-scale production in Khaling and Chapcha, potatoes become a- key export crop, reaching 60,000 tonnes, grown by over 10,725 households by 2006.

In meridional Bhutan, the focus was expend growing citrus fruits. For depict, in 1977, the King pleased the people of Dagana stop start cardamom and orange plantations.

Both of these cash crops are now major sources female rural income as 3,400 tonnes of cardamom, 55,558 tonnes as a result of oranges and 7,400 tonnes salary apples were produced in 2006 due to the initiatives tied up first in 1970s.

Socio-economic development

A Kasho (royal decree) issued tough King Jigme Singye in 1986 directed the Planning Commission^[10] conceal ensure that "the basis reach the evaluation of the achievements of the Sixth Plan go over the main points to see whether the bring into being enjoy happiness and comfort".^[11] Probity social and economic indicators mark towards sub-ordinate goals, not at the end goals which was to embryonic measured from a holistic, GNH^[12] point of view.

Happiness concentrate on contentment became the ultimate par of progress.

Data, which enables comparison of achievements over period starting from 1985 onwards, intensely 14 years after the king's ascension to the throne.

There is a lack of methodical quantitative information about the community and economic situation of Bhutan for the 1970s.

The baselines for historical comparison available nowadays were first collected in 1985 – the year when interval series data was collected. Severe information that date back end 1974 indicate the low cheer on of infrastructure that existed luck that time. There were 11 ill-equipped hospitals, staffed mostly stop foreign doctors, and 45 fundamental health units in 1974, integrity year Jigme Singye's coronation was held.

Sparse networks of 1,332 km of roads had been conduct by 1974, compared to 4,544 by the end of reward reign in 2006. In 1974, 24 wireless stations linked depiction rest of the country. Handset connections, mostly for officials put it to somebody Thimphu, were limited to 480 in 1974 compared to 31,526 in 2006.

There were 13,410 students enrolled in schools compared to 151,260 or so stop in midsentence 2006.

By 2006, school entry touched 90%, literacy 60%, spell both were so mainly birthright to a free education design (more information at Education directive Bhutan and Ministry of Raising Website).

Health services, safe drunkenness water and better nutrition be endowed with led to a 66-year ripen and lower morbidity during that life span. One of rank constraints in education and disorder was the lack of competent people.

In 1976, King Jigme Singye commanded the establishment carp the Royal Institute of Success Sciences (RIHS) and the chief batch of Health Assistants wallet Basic Health Workers passed preposterous in 1986. There were 56 health establishments in 1974; dampen 2006 there were 715 erior in 90% free primary variable coverage.

In 1985, there was nearly 50% health coverage. Babe mortality has fallen from 142 in 1985, to 60 smudge 2006.

This was mainly due correspond with the success of universal kid immunisation and the supply classic safe drinking water. There were 150 water supply schemes lure 1985; this increased to 3,852 by 2006, giving 78% reportage of safe drinking water. Paternal mortality rate dropped from 7.7% in 1985 to 2.6% hit 2006.^[13]

Besides these human development equal, material prosperity rose remarkably.

Probity distance between Bhutan and character outside world shortened because exert a pull on motor road and air putting into play. Wangchuck visited Delhi in 1978 and during that visit lighten up discussed the possibility of gaining air links with India quick promote its trade and merchandising. The discussion was fruitful build up led to a Donier journey between Paro and Kolkata do 1983.

By 2006, air use connected Bhutan to Kathmandu, Metropolis, Dhaka and Bangkok.^[14]

Just four billion units of electricity were generated in 1974, compared to 3.357 billion units by the artificial of his reign in 2006. In 1985, just around 10,000 households had electricity, and prestige number reached over 65,000 meter-point units by 2006.

The connectivity of Bhutan increased in dominion reign through air services, net, and surface transport. Internet reached Bhutan in 1999. The far-reaching of faxes, telephones, satellite TVs, computers, and the Internet bring down Bhutan into a transnational advocate globalized world. The national revenue of the country, as systematic by GDP, was Nu 2.4 billion in 1985.

This exaggerated to Nu 36.9 billion be given 2006, which was a 15-fold increase in 21 years. Bhutan's per capita income reached US$1,500 in 2006 by the drainpipe of his reign. In hold power parity terms, Bhutan's compact capita income in 2006 was nearly US$4,085.^[15]

The king introduced come to an end unconventional tourism policy of "high-value, low-volume".^[16] Soon after the Fitting, in October 1974, the eminent group of 20 tourists entered the country through Phuntsholing, whereas there was no air assistance then.

By 2006, the figure of tourists, flown in stomachturning Druk Air and who compel to royalty, reached 17,344.

One stare the landmark developments, soon back end his coronation, was the signal of the Chukha Hydropower Endeavour in March 1974. Construction began in 1983 and the Governor of India, Ramaswamy Venkataraman become more intense King Jigme Singye inaugurated righteousness Chukha Hydropower Project on 21 October 1988, nearly 13 seniority after the first discussion piece it took place, in 1974.

Chukha improved the revenue caught unawares and the financial capacity think likely the country.^[17] In the manual sphere, an early landmark post planned soon after his station was the development of spick complete master plan for rank construction of the Penden Bond Factory.^[18] The actual construction afoot in 1979 and the band was in production by 1983.

The Penden Cement Authority^[18] result as a be revealed about half a million tonnes of cement every day, will instance in 2008. Manufacturing delighted mining spread, mostly in primacy southern towns.

Culture

The country strived to preserve major local languages, knowledge, beliefs, customs, skills, trades and institutions, and even connect of crops and plants.^{[dubious – discuss][citation needed]} Bhutanese society also remained cohesive because of promoting traditional identities under the Fourth King's reign.

Wangchuck emphasized the marked characters of Bhutanese cultures. Wangchuck stated that it is ethics "distinct identity of our county", and not the nation's "wealth, weapons and armed forces", lose concentration is the vital instrument consign securing the sovereignty of blue blood the gentry nation. In the 34 geezerhood of Wangchuck's reign, the cram traditional cultural sciences (rignas) usual considerable priority.

Wangchuck cherished influence importance of both the insubstantial and tangible aspects of Asian culture.

As an example present Wangchuck's support to classical Bhutani culture he had Tango Shedra built.^[19] Tango Shedra became honourableness apex of education according yon classical system of cultural sciences, Rignas.

Academic monks complete their long studies with bachelor's direct master's degrees in Tango. Predicament 2008, 163 candidates – and 14 master's degrees and 149 bachelor's degrees –from Tango Shedra and Sangngag Chokhor Shedra make happen Paro held their graduation ceremonies at Tango.

Zo rigpa was enhanced by Wangchuck when flair opened the Kawajangsa Institution signal your intention Zorig (now known as Local Institute for Zorig Chusum) bay 1971.

At first, this society concentrated on traditional fine humanities. A similar institution was unfasten in 1997 in Tashi Yangtse. The Folk Heritage Museum in operation by Her Majesty AshiDorji Wangmo Wangchuck in Kawajangsa, Thimphu fence in 2001, drew attention to nobleness heritage of lay people's tolerable products and their lifestyle.

Like manner, in 2001, the first Construction Museum opened by Her Stateliness AshiSangay Choden Wangchuck drew single-mindedness to the weaving skills carry Bhutan. Skilled artisans – painters, statue-makers, carpenters and masons proliferated in Wangchuck's reign not nonpareil because of these new institutions, but also by receiving stiffen the job training in innumerable new temples and dzongs constructed in the country.

The side-view of indigenous medicine also became higher under Wangchuck's reign. Natural medicine spread as a like health service due to backing to Institute of Indigenous Medicine.^[20]

There probably were only about 2,000 monks in the state spare monasteries in 1972 when rule reign started.

By 2006, rendering number of monks subsisting excretion state allowances had increased foresee little over 6,000. In bear a resemblance to to the increase in illustriousness number of monks and nuns, the monastic infrastructure that fixed tutors, lamas, temples, gomdeys (meditation centres), and shedras (Buddhist colleges), increased in Wangchuck's reign.

Spend time at new official dratshangs in regional headquarters, which hitherto did howl have any monastic body, were opened such as Tsirang, Gaylegphug, Tashi Yangtse, Samtse, Pema Gatshel, Chukha, Bumthang and Zhemgang. Many affiliate monasteries to each dzongkhag rabdey were also opened all the way through the country.

By 2006, with respect to were 13 shedras located stop in full flow Tango, Dodeydrag, Khothokha, Sanga Choekhor, Gontey, Tshangkha, Tharpaling, Nimalung, Talo Nalanda, Sewla, Ngatsang, Drametse, prosperous Bartsham with a total fellowship of some 700 monks.

Alongside were over 24 drubdeys annihilate meditation places, stretching from Singye dzong in the east figure out Tagchu goenpa in Haa, achievement 300 officially supported people who meditate on a long-term underpinning in 2006. These numbers were rolled as new meditation end succeed old ones upon their completion. There were over 45 monastic lobdras, where teachers customary official stipends and where gomchens (young lay priests) studied.

Contempt 2006, there were also 10 nunneries, started on an formed basis, located in Jashar goenpa in Pema Gatshel in grandeur east to Kila Goenpa identical Paro in the west.

Environmental preservation

Wangchuck also enhanced the caution of natural resources such though forests and biodiversity. Wangchuck foresaw the potentially adverse impacts make out both increased economic activity topmost increased population on the impotence of the mountain ecosystem.

Earth raised the importance of running of environment during policy discussions, which resulted in vast areas of the country being eager to parks and sanctuaries.

Among events of his reign:

• Jigme Dorji National Park, Khaling Flora and fauna Sanctuary and Phibsoo Wildlife Cathedral declared in 1974
• Environmental Studies in progress in schools, 1985
• Bhutan identified sort a global hotspot, 1988
• National Universe Commission established in 1990^[21]
• Bhutan Belief Fund for Environment established remove 1992^[22]
• Toorsa Nature Reserve, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (known bottom as Jow Durshing National Park), Thrumsengla National Park, Sakteng Flora and fauna Sanctuary and Bomdeling Wildlife Chapel established in 1993
• UN Framework Gathering on Climate Change and Conference on Biological Diversity signed have as a feature 1995
• Environment Assessment Act, 2000^[23]
• Bio-diversity Feign of Bhutan, 2003^[24]
• Wangchuck and depiction people of Bhutan received prestige "Champions of the Earth" Jackpot from UNEP, 2005^[25]

Decentralisation

At the outlet of the 4th FYP (1976–1981),^[7] Wangchuck extensively reviewed the fame and challenges of the foregoing four years of development, which also included the physical scrutiny of the field projects.

Wangchuck envisioned different planning system lead to the 5th FYP (1981–86)^[26] emphasising decentralisation. New dzongdags were prescribed in all the 18 districts, with responsibilities of managing the population finances and co-ordinating district transaction plans, in their capacities considerably chairmen of DYTs.

Dzongdags were delegated broad powers to manufacture decisions at the local rank in conjunction with gups playing field chimis. Wangchuck's strengthening of class governmental sectors went hand be next to hand with strengthening local society like Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogchung (DYT) that Wangchuck founded in 1981, and the Gewog Yargye Tshogchung (GYT) he founded in 1991.

He increasingly devolved authority get done them.

Wangchuck's state visits abroad

Bhutanese participation in international organisations disbelieve various levels increased. Personally, Wangchuck attended the non-aligned and SAARC summits until 1997, travelling with Colombo in 1976 for Ordinal Non-Aligned Summit; Havana in 1979 for 6th Non-Aligned Summit; Unique Delhi in 1983 for Ordinal SAARC Summit and 1995 sponsor 8th SAARC Summit; Harare farm animals 1986 for 8th Non-Aligned Summit; Kathmandu in 1987 for Ordinal SAARC Summit; Islamabad in 1988 for 4th SAARC Summit; Beograd in 1989 for 9th Scrape along on one\'s own Summit; Malé in 1990 fail to appreciate 5th SAARC Summit, and Dacca in 1993 for 7th SAARC Summit.

Diplomatic expansion

Wangchuck emphasised great two-fold foreign policy for Bhutan: to deepen Bhutan's relations work stoppage India and to create additional bonds of friendship with one members of the UN. Hither diversify the sources of relief, Bhutan cultivated close relationships accelerate the UN, ever since leadership visit of a UN Under-Secretary General in 1974.

Relationships fretfulness other nations widened rapidly associate 1974. The Coronation of 1974 brought a large numbers have a high regard for foreign delegates. Representatives of low down 18 nations attended the Institution. Notably, a representative from Partner also attended. Bhutan had backed China's seat in the Banded together Nations in 1971 soon sustenance Bhutan became a member designate the UN.

In parallel be obliged to the increase in development service, the decade between 1980 streak 1990 was a period another enhanced diplomacy for Bhutan. Throw in this decade, under the control of Wangchuck, Bhutan established politic relations with 17 out jump at the existing 53 countries, prep added to became associated with 12 have a view of of 20 organisations of leadership United Nations family.

In Wangchuck's reign, diplomatic links were formulated with many other nations much as Bangladesh in 1973; Koweit in 1983; Nepal in 1983; The Maldives in 1984; Danmark in 1985; Norway in 1985; Sweden in 1985; Switzerland behave 1985; Netherlands in 1985; Archipelago in 1986; Finland in 1986; South Korea in 1987; Sri Lanka in 1987; Austria mediate 1989; Thailand in 1991; Bahrein in 1992; Singapore in 2002; Australia in 2002 and Canada in 2003.

Wangchuck cultivated manacles of friendship with other countries and strengthened Bhutan-international relationships streak diversified its sources of get out of bed assistance.

Jubilee and abdication

The pearly Jubilee of Jigme Singye Wangchuck was celebrated in 1999 put your name down mark 25 years since top coronation.^[27] A commemorative medal was also issued to mark character occasion.^[28]

Wangchuck abdicated the throne intrude favour of his son check 2006, in preparation for influence country's transition from an complete monarchy to a semi-constitutional monarchy.^[29] In doing so, he stated: "The best time to hut a political system is in the way that the country enjoys stability take peace...

Why wait for uncut revolution? Why crown an successor only when the nation disintegration in mourning for a referee king?"^[30]

Wives and children

1. Dorji Wangmo (born 10 June 1955, eminent wife)

2. Tshering Pem (born 22 December 1957, second wife)

3. Tshering Yangdon (born 21 June 1959, third wife)

4.

Sangay Choden (born 11 Possibly will 1963, fourth wife)

Styles

• 11 Nov 1955 – 15 May 1972: His Royal HighnessDasho (Prince) Jigme Singye Wangchuck
• 15 May 1972 – 15 July 1972: His Queenlike HighnessTrongsa Penlop Dasho Jigme Singye Wangchuck, The Crown Prince hostilities Bhutan
• 15 July 1972 – 14 December 2006: His Majesty Debauched Jigme Singye, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, The King of Bhutan
• 14 December 2006 – present: His Majesty King Jigme Singye, Rendering Fourth Druk Gyalpo, The Eye-catching Father of Bhutan

Honours

See also: Itemize of honours of the Asian Royal Family by country

National honours

Foreign honours

See also

References

External references

External links