The third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was born in 1928 to King jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Phuntsho Choden. He was educated at the courtyard school, where he learnt English, Hindi, and other modern subjects along with Buddhist Literature.

During the reign of the third King, Bhutan began to slowly open its doors to the world outside, beginning with the closest neighbour, India.

The then prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was invited to Bhutan by the King, and was accorded a grand welcome. The prime minister and the King would leave a lasting legacy of friendship and goodwill between the two nations.

Nehru’s visit to Bhutan also firmly secured the mountain kingdom’s status as a sovereign independent nation, and began the first of Bhutan’s diplomatic relation with another country. India became Bhutan’s biggest development partner, assisting with major development activities which were initiated at this time.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck also visited India, and saw for himself the many developments and inventions which would help Bhutan grow to take its place in the modern world.

He brought many ideas back to Bhutan, and initiated great reforms in transport, education and healthcare. Hundreds of government schools were built at this time, and reluctant families were persuaded to send their children to schools, where food, clothes and even stationery were provided for free.

The first road in Bhutan, between the border town of Phuentsholing and the capital Thimphu, was built, and would be a lifeline for the country for many years to come. Other roads were built extensively at this time, and the first modern healthcare system was initiated with the establishment of the Public Health department.

The third King of Bhutan also laid the foundation for democracy in Bhutan, with the establishment of the first National Assembly. The members of the National Assembly were representatives elected by the people, and would voice the concerns and needs of the people to the central government.

The first five year plans were also initiated at this time, as the King recognized the need for planned development.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck also abolished slavery in the country, and issued an order freeing all slaves, and granting them the rights of any other citizen.

The Third Druk Gyalpo suffered from his first heart attack at the age of 20, and would frequently travel overseas for treatment.

He passed away in Nairobi, Kenya, during such a trip.