| The
Crown Prince - The Chhoetse Penlop - The Trongsa Penlop |
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Bhutan Politics |
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His
Royal Highness Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
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HRH the Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
The
Chhoetse Penlop in the kuenrey of Tashichhodzong during the auspicious , Tendrel
ceremony, October 2004 |
| Having
completed his formal education in institutions at home and abroad and having
received the traditional Bhutanese process of instruction under the close
supervision of His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,
Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, assumed the revered historical position
of Chhoetse Penlop on October 21, 2004. |
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Born
on February 21, 1980,
His Royal Highness thus received full exposure to an environment of global
learning without losing touch with the traditions and disciplines of the
royal household, the rich religious and cultural heritage of Bhutan, and
the current realities that the kingdom is going through. Growing up in
Bhutan and studying in Bhutanese schools, His Royal Highness developed
a close rapport with Bhutanese youth and came to know first hand their
concerns and their aspirations for the future.
His
Royal Highness became the Chief Patron of the Scouts Association of
Bhutan and, at an early age, played a public role in giving direction
to the youth of Bhutan. In his interactions with the scouts and students
His Royal Highness always emphasised the need to preserve traditional values
which stress commitment and loyalty to the spiritual leaders, the royal
government, to teachers and parents, and the important role youth would
have to play in the country's future.
After
completing early schooling in Bhutan, His Royal Highness completed high
school and graduated from the Cushing Academy and the Wheaton College,
USA. In 2000,
His Royal Highness continued further education in Magdalen College,
Oxford University. His Royal Highness completed the Foreign Service
Programme and a M Phil programme in Politics at Oxford University.
With
an unwavering interest in youth issues and the well being of Bhutanese
youth, His Royal Highness opened the first juvenile rehabilitation complex
in Tsimalakha in June, 1999.
His Royal Highness noted that, while juvenile crime was not widespread
in Bhutan, it was an unfortunate reality that young people were dropping
out of school, leaving their village homes for the attraction of urban
life, and being caught up in some aspects of the emerging social problems.
His
Royal Highness traveled extensively in attendance to His Majesty the King.
His active public role in Bhutan included the Plan meetings and close interaction
with the Bhutanese people.
His
Royal Highness made his first National Day address in Trongsa on
December 17, 2000.
"We are enjoying the fruits of the hard work and sacrifices made by our
forefathers who served the nation and the people with loyalty and dedication,"
said His Royal Highness, addressing the people of Trongsa. "We must now
strive to fulfill the sacred responsibilities we have inherited and take
the nation forward into the future."
In 2001,
when His Royal Highness celebrated National Day in Punakha, 80-year
old Namgay Tshering of Umtekha village said, "We are fortunate to celebrate
National Day so informally with the great son of a great King. I have had
the honour of seeing his royal ancestors and, just like them, he will truly
be a people's King in the future."
In
August 2001,
His Royal Highness made his first official visit abroad on the invitation
of the government of India. During the 12-day visit His Royal Highness
called on the then President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan, Shrimati Sonia
Gandhi, the President of the Congress (I) and held wide ranging discussions
with senior officials of the government of India.
On
May 8, 2002,
His Royal Highness represented Bhutan at the 27th UN General Assembly,
during the "UN special session for children", one of the most important
international conferences ever held to create a "World Fit for Children".
Addressing the leaders of the 190 member countries, 200 parliamentarians
from 77 countries, 2000 delegates from non-governmental organisations,
350 child delegates from 150 countries, celebrities and an array of leaders
from the business world, the arts and culture areas, and academics, His
Royal Highness said that poverty, disease, hunger and pain affected all
societies. "My first thought on this issue remains my guiding priority
today," he said. "It is our duty to build a future which ensures that every
child will be free of these afflictions. To achieve this we must all work
together in a spirit of commitment, trust, and mutual respect while taking
great care to plan - not just a few years ahead - but generations into
the future."
In
August 2003,
His Royal Highness visited India again on the invitation of the
Indian Vice President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. During the visit a
memorandum of understanding was signed between the two governments to establish
an India-Bhutan Foundation, to "enrich and expand" bilateral relations
through more interaction between the people of the two countries. During
the visit His Royal Highness called upon the President of India, Shri A.P.
J. Abdul Kalam, the prime minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee and the vice
president, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, and visited the Delhi University.
During the visit His Royal Highness also gave a talk on Indo-Bhutan relations
to a gathering at the India International Centre.
With
His Majesty the King in Dewathang during the military operations against the Indian militants in December, 2003,
His Royal Highness touched many Bhutanese hearts by remaining in Thimphu.
In his public address to the nation on December 17, during the 96th National
Day celebrations in Thimphu, His Royal Highness reminded the people
that His Majesty the King had always said that the development of Bhutan
was extremely important but what was even more important was to make the
Bhutanese people capable of overcoming the challenges of the future.
His
Royal Highness plays an increasingly active role in numerous organisations
and is the Chairman of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation,
President of Bhutan India Friendship Association, Chancellor of
the Royal University of Bhutan, and Patron of the Royal Society
for the Protection of Nature and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce
and Industry.
Among
His Royal Highness's responsibilities outside the country, he is the Patron
of the India Bhutan Foundation, the European Convention of Bhutan
Societies, the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, and many
others.
His
Royal Highness is an avid sportsman, taking active part in archery and
basketball tournaments. His Royal Highness is also the patron of the Bhutan
Shooting Federation (BSF) which was established in 1997.
In
a simple ceremony at Samteling Royal Cottage on June 25, 2002,
His Majesty the King awarded the Red Scarf to His Royal Highness
Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
"There
is no greater honour than to follow in the footsteps of His Majesty the
King, for this means only one thing - being in the service of the nation,"
His Royal Highness has said. "After all, my goals and aspirations are lodged
within those of my country. My foremost desire is to work for the greater
good of the nation and the Bhutanese people."
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| Contributed
by Karma Choden, KUENSEL, Bhutan's National Newspaper, 2006 |
| December
14, 2006 |
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| His
Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk said that the responsibilities of the
Throne would be delegated to the Chhoetse Penlop before 2008. His Royal
Highness Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be enthroned as the fifth
Druk Gyalpo in 2008. |
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