Can GNH Live?

The argument between wealth and happiness is one of the epic points to be debatable in today’s world. Many believe that if Gross Domestic Product of country is rising, ultimate result is that economic development of the country is in full swing making their citizens happy. However, according to Richard Layard and David Brooks, they states that, ‘with the rise in income of the country, instead of bringing happiness in the country, there are more of unhappiness arising in the country.

Correspondently, they believe in the beliefs of nineteenth-century economist, ‘that the extra income is greatest when you are poor, and declines steadily as you get richer, the effect of extra income on happiness is greatest in the poorest countries, where people are nearest to the breadline” (p.33). Happiness is more important than wealth. This is the official policy in Bhutan, where King Jigme Singye Wangchuck prefers to speak of Gross National Happiness, rather than Gross National Product, setting the theme for careful development and gradual change. The differences between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Happiness are perceived quite amazingly in Bhutan. When rest of the world believes that happiness is generated with rise in the Gross domestic product, Bhutan believes that, happiness can be generated if all the citizens are happy. Seemingly, the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) is prior to Gross Domestic Product and all the developments in Bhutan are considered in aligned to Gross National Happiness.

To the extent, happiness can be brought about when the economic status of a country is stable. Consequently, keeping GNH concept into consideration, Bhutan’s economic development is taking place at high stake. Unanimously, many believes that with so many economic developments in Bhutan, will it be possible for Bhutanese to maintain their concept of GNH. To the perception of my sense organ, I believe that Bhutan can maintain the general welfare and happiness for so many years to come. As per Richard and Brooks, they give verdicts that after the basic necessities have been achieved, income is only lightly connected to well being. In case of Bhutan, even after achieving basic necessities, income will be connected to total well being of the Bhutanese. Bhutan, consider happiness on top for achieving economic income. For an instance, for the economic developments of Bhutanese economy, unlike other countries, Bhutan give much priority on conservation of culture, protection of environment, sustainable economic development and make sure good governance.

People of Bhutan will live in harmony, peace and happiness for many years to come, because Bhutan gives equal importance to economic development and happiness. Indeed, Bhutan follow middle-path, economic development on one side while keeping the happiness of people on other side. Even if Bhutan reach double living standard, Bhutan will never lose its value of happiness, since the foundation of middle-path is made in such a way that even the highest magnitude earthquake will be not able to shake the foundation. To the word of Richard and Brooks, they said that countries like India, Mexico, Philippines, Brazil and South Korea have experienced economic growth, but not happiness. The reason being for this weakness is that at first place they have only thought of economic growth and never taken in consideration, happiness of people. Whereas, Bhutan always place happiness of people before the economic growth and in times to come even after achieving economic growth, happiness will linger in every society, because happiness of people will become like tradition and culture. 

According to Karma Tshiteem, Secretary, Gross National Happiness Commission, “A strong sense of identity is critical for a sense of well being,” similarly, because of our strong identity, we can maintain happiness forever.  Bhutanese place happiness before the achievement of economic growth and they always believe in gross happiness and value of the life.