Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the fifth and present ‘Druk Gyalpo’ or the ‘Dragon King’ of the Kingdom of Bhutan since December 9, 2006. He succeeded his father Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who formally renounced the throne in favour of his son. A coronation ceremony was publicly held on November 1, 2008, a propitious year that marked the first centenary of Monarchy in Bhutan. He is a proponent of democracy and strives to achieve improved standards in civil service, education and business sectors and in this pursuit travels widely across Bhutan meeting and encouraging the youth. In February 2007, he signed a new friendship treaty with India in place of the 1949 treaty. He has supported many new government initiatives to empower the system keeping in view the democratic transformation. On July 18, 2008, his reign saw the first elected parliament adopting the ‘Constitution of Bhutan. He is the Chancellor of the ‘Royal University of Bhutan’. His Majesty is patron of several institutes and associations including ‘Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’, ‘European Convention of Bhutan Societies’, ‘Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies’, ‘Bhutan Scouts Association’, ‘Bhutan India Friendship Association’ and ‘India Bhutan Foundation’.
