Birth Anniversary of the Third Druk Gyalpo and Teachers' Day in Bhutan Date in the current year: May 2, 2024

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Dragon King of Bhutan, was born on May 2, 1929. He succeeded to the throne in 1952, following the death of his father Jigme Wangchuck. The new Druk Gyalpo immediately began to take steps toward modernization and democratization of Bhutan.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck abolished slavery and put an end to feudalism, introduced modern inventions to make the work of agricultural workers easier. He also reorganized the country's judicial system, established the High Court and the National Assembly (a unicameral parliament which later transformed into the lower house of the bicameral Parliament), and launched an economic development plan.

The Third Druk Gyalpo also made efforts to end the political isolation of Bhutan. He strove to foster strong ties with foreign nations and had Bhutan join the United Nations in 1971. He died on July 21, 1972, while receiving medical treatment in Kenya.