May 3: Yesterday was observed as the birth anniversary of the Third Druk Gyalpo His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Government offices, schools and institutions across the kingdom remained closed to mark the day.

His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck is fondly remembered as the Father of Modern Bhutan. He was born on this day at the Thruepang Palace in Trongsa in 1928.

Revered as the Father of Modern Bhutan, His Late Majesty instituted far reaching socio-economic and political reforms which helped propel the country on the path of socio-economic progress.

The reign of the Third Druk Gyalpo also saw a concerted national effort to build basic infrastructure to support modernization of the economy and the society. With the happiness and welfare of his people occupying an important place, the Third Druk Gyalpo invested an enormous amount of his energy on the internal reforms of the kingdom.

The Third Druk Gyalpo opened Bhutan to the outside world ending years of self imposed isolation and was instrumental in introducing modern education in the kingdom.

His Late Majesty abolished serfdom and established the national assembly, the highest legislative body in the kingdom.

His Majesty the third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk occupies a very special place in the heart of every Bhutanese.

The day is also observed as Teachers day here in Bhutan.