GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS – In persuit of Happiness
In 1972 His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuk put forth the term “Gross National Happiness”. The country of Bhutan, since then is in pursuit of true happiness over any other form of progress.
What makes you happy? It is very difficult to answer this question in a sentence and for that matter, in a word. The definition of happiness varies from person to person. The word that perhaps comes closest to summing up happiness is “progress”.
Any form of progress in life drives a person to do what they do and in doing so makes them happy. Progress drives all countries, whether it’s economic, military, territory, political, or regional influence. Change in any form provides the countries of the world with a clear direction of where it wants to be. Amidst all of this exists Bhutan, a country whose happiness lies in the progress of happiness itself.
WHAT ARE THE CORNERSTONES OF GNH ?
How can we pursue something that varies in definition for everyone? This is where the 4 Pillars of GNH holds its utmost importance.
1) Sustainable And Socio-Economic Development
GNH does not forgo the need for economic development. Rather it focuses on equal economic development for all. It aims to provide free health care, education and social services to all.
Every Bhutanese can have higher standards of living and access modern facilities. Attaining equality in economic development is a gradual process. It would be beneficial not only for the generation of today but even the generation of tomorrow.
2) Environmental Conservation
The world is debating the existence of climate change and global warming. Bhutan, on the other hand, has already prioritized the conservation of the natural environment in its constitution. The constitution demands 60% of forest coverage at all times.
However, Bhutan has been able to sustain more than 60% over the years. The forest coverage as of 2018 is 71 %. It is a biological hotspot for the forest, plants, animals and many more.
The focus on protecting the environment has limited the use of natural resources. It is the cost the country is willing to pay for the healthy citizens and wildlife.
3) Preservation And Promotion Of Culture
Bhutan doesn’t have high military power or a large economy. It is, therefore, its unique identity that has kept the sovereignty of Bhutan intact. The unique culture and tradition of Bhutan has helped it to distinguish itself amidst superpowers that surround it.
The modern culture hasn’t affected Bhutan’s language, dress, architecture, and traditional values. Bhutan has wisely embraced it and opened herself to the outside world.
4) Good Governance
The Monarchs of the country gave the right to democracy to its citizens in 2011. It was perhaps one of the most peaceful transitions of the form of government. Bhutan has since then seen three different parties and three different prime ministers.
Bhutanese have been the youngest members of democracy. They have been gradually involving themselves in the process of nation-building.
IS THERE MORE TO THE PILLARS OF Gross National Happiness?
There are nine domains derived from the 4 pillars of Gross National Happiness. Each pillar has its respective indicators.
- Psychological Wellbeing
It tries to understand the reflection of one’s life satisfaction and the existence of positive and negative emotions. It focuses on the cognitive approach for self-evaluation.
Indicators:
- Life Satisfaction
- Positive Emotion
- Negative Emotion
- Spiritual
- Health
This domain keeps physical and mental health of an individual in the center. It aims to understand the factors that helps an individual to live a stress-free, quality healthy life. It also tries to address the problems that prevents an individual from a healthy mind and body.
Indicators:
- Health status
- Number of healthy days
- Mental Health
- Time Use
It tries to study the appropriate time needed for work, recreation activities which would ensure quality use of time. It also aims at maintaining a healthy balance in work and non work activities.
Indicators:
- Work
- Sleep
- Education
This domain doesn’t limit education in the formal environment like schools and institutions. It also focuses on education gained from informal sources like friends, family, and community.
Indicators:
- Literacy
- Schooling
- Knowledge
- Value
- Cultural Diversity
It looks over the cultural diversity in the country, its preservation, and its promotion. It highlights festivals, arts, norms, and traditions.
Indicators:
- Zorig chusum skills (Artisan skills)
- Cultural participation
- Speak native language
- Driglam Namzha (code of etiquette and conduct)
- Community Vitality
It points towards maintaining a peaceful relationship in the community despite individual differences of race, religion and cultural background. It analyses the bond among family members and neighbors and stresses the practice of volunteering.
Indicators:
- Donation (time & money)
- Safety
- Community Relationship
- Family
- Good Governance
This domains examines the perception of people in terms of a good government. It tries to break down the attributes like efficiency, honesty, and transparency that makes up a good government. It makes the involvement and freedom of the general public important. This in turn helps in forming a government and building a nation even at grass root levels.
Indicators:
- Political participation
- Services
- Government performance
- Fundamental rights
- Environment
This domain tries to understand the people’s take on the environmental conservation. This domain also covers forest fires and earthquake.
Indicators:
- Wildlife damage
- Urban issues
- Environmental Responsibility
- Ecological issues
- Living Standards
It highlights the comfort brought upon by income, financial security, housing and ownership of assets.
Indicators:
- Household per capita income
- Assets
- Housing
