Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness as an alternative development paradigm received a huge momentum when the United Nations General Assembly last year passed a resolution deciding to celebrate March 20 as the International Day of Happiness.
Inspired by Bhutan’s call for action, 193 UN member countries, unanimously sanctioned March 20 as the first International Day of Happiness.
It gave fresh impetus to Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness on the world stage. It brought the world on board with Bhutan in its quest to pursue well-being of citizens.[pullquote]
“There has been various interpretation of GNH by different quarters, which sometimes is incorrect. Thus, there is a need for increased advocacy and understanding on what GNH means and what are the efforts being made by the RGoB in the quest for it.”
GNHC
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The UN Bhutan’s Acting Resident Coordinator, Shaheen Nilofer, said Bhutan shaped the global outlook on measuring development, well being and prosperity. “Bhutan is probably known as GNH country for that matter.” She said today the world is deliberating on the new development paradigm in pursuit of Happiness. “People around the world aspire to lead happy and fulfilling lives free from fear and want and harmony with nature.”
Shaheen Nilofer also said world is becoming increasingly troubled, where everyone is under pressure to be successful. “And that values people treasured for generations got lost along the way.”Thus, she said having a day specifically chalked out to celebrate happiness will bring people together. This essence of coming together, she said, will help revive the values of sharing, giving and compassion among others.
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The Gross National Happiness Commission says the UN resolution clearly is a reflection of the international community recognising Bhutan’s development philosophy. A small country like Bhutan being able to project and get overwhelming endorsement in the form of UN resolution is noteworthy, said the GNH Commission.
And the day being declared as a national holiday indicates Bhutan’s commitment to put happiness at the core of all its development plans, added the Gross National Happiness Commission.
The GNH Commission, however, added Bhutan has a long way to go. It said the concept of GNH is being interpreted differently by different quarters. Thus, efforts need to be made to create a common understanding.
The commission added the existing domains and indicators of GNH could be reviewed and subjected to further consultation to improve it.
