Gross National Happiness

In 1970s, His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, coined the term "Gross National Happiness," which advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable development by prioritizing the non-economic aspects of well-being. This approach emphasises the inclusion of social, spiritual, and cultural needs, as well as the needs of future generations, in the pursuit of progress. The four key pillars of this philosophy are sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation of culture, and good governance. Applying this framework to India in 2023, it is clear that there are both strengths and challenges to achieving GNH.

Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development:

Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development is a critical component of GNH, and India has been making efforts to address this issue. Despite being four times larger than Bhutan and having a much larger population, India has implemented social security systems like the National Pension System to promote greater equity. However, capitalism remains a dominant force in India's economy, with a focus on increasing the Gross National Product as a measure of development. This emphasis on economic growth can make it challenging to achieve equity, but India's commitment to social welfare programs is an important step in the right direction.

Environmental conservation:

Environmental conservation is another crucial aspect of GNH, but India faces significant challenges in this area. As a capitalist nation, economic development is often prioritized over environmental preservation. For example, in Gujarat, a dispute between environmental activist Medha Patkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani led to the creation of a city dominated by mills and factories, damaging the environment and livelihoods of local communities. Addressing these challenges will require a shift in priorities towards sustainable development and an increased commitment to environmental protection.

Preservation of culture:

Preservation of culture is an area where India excels, but there are also concerns about the use of culture and religion to justify discriminatory practices. Riots based on religious and cultural differences have been a longstanding issue in India. There have been recent examples of cultural insensitivity, such as the Jain community's call for a meat ban during a fast and the Shiv Sena's opposition to Valentine's Day celebrations. These incidents highlight the need for greater respect and understanding across cultural and religious boundaries.

Good governance:

Finally, good governance is a critical component of GNH, and India has been the subject of criticism in this area. While the Modi government has made strides in addressing corruption and inefficiencies in government, there are concerns about authoritarian tendencies and a lack of transparency. It is essential to maintain a balance between addressing these challenges and protecting democratic values and human rights.

In conclusion, India shares strong ties with Bhutan, but achieving GNH remains a significant challenge. Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation of culture, and good governance are essential pillars of GNH, but India must address significant challenges in each area. Nonetheless, India's commitment to social welfare programs and cultural preservation is an important step towards achieving GNH. With a continued focus on these issues, India can work towards a more holistic approach to sustainable development that benefits all its citizens.