Millennials Take on Gross National Happiness

When you learn that this country did not have electricity and a currency which is the basis of all modern economy a little over half a century ago, it takes a while to process the level of socio economic development Bhutan has achieved over time and more so the pace of development it was able to sustain to keep up with the rest of the world. This progress is a testament to a world class leadership steering this nation into the 21^st century but with all the benefits of modern development, brings with it modern social issues that plague every nation. This juxtaposition of Bhutan’s barbaric status a few decades ago and the elected Government today tackling youth unemployment issues and devising strategy to make free health care sustainable has put Bhutan at par with all other developed nations.

Gross National Happiness philosophy was first coined in the 1970s by the fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Internationally acclaimed concept of GNH in its essence is a nation’s decision to have its people’s happiness take precedence over all other national objectives. Although this powerful idealistic concept impressed and inspired the international community, it has also bred cynicism among certain section of the society sharing concerns over the gap between the rich and the poor ever rising in the country with most middle class families struggling to get out of financial debt.

While these social issues cannot be discounted, I believe that this cynicism is a result of a lack of understanding in the concept of Gross National Happiness. It was never the case of the Government falsely claiming to the rest of the world that all Bhutanese are happy, such accusation misconstrues its true purpose. Gross National Happiness is rather a national commitment to a set of values recognized to deliver a wholesome approach to all its developmental activities. These values are its commitment to protect the environment, preserve its culture and traditions, and actively promote good governance all the while pursuing socio economic development.

The visionary leader recognized the limitation of the development module the rest of the world is subscribed to and that Gross National Happiness is a better fit. With evidence of the all the giant economic powerhouse nations paying environmental cost for neglecting its environment in pursuit of economic growth, we realize that our leader’s decision to protect our environment was spot on.

Today probably the only carbon negative country in the world, Bhutan has a constitutional mandate of maintaining a minimum of 60% forest coverage at all times. Majority of the country’s area are recognized and protected as wildlife sanctuaries. Government resources and funding are constantly allocated for restoration and preservation of century old monastery and temples and its national dress is worn at all official gatherings and at schools successfully integrating its tradition into everyday lives. Perhaps the return on investment for this unwavering commitment is the economic gains achieved through hydro power projects and booming tourism industry.