DEC 11 - Bhutan: Gross National Happiness

On his Coronation day in 2008, the young king of Bhutan pledged to promote Gross National Happiness above gross national income, just like his father had done before him. The people approved, the king bowed, showing humility and his desire to serve rather than rule.

First time visitors to this tiny Himalayan kingdom may be surprised to find mobile phones, internet and satellite TV but although Bhutan welcomes progress and technology, it is never at the expense of its traditional values. Everyone agrees that these are essential to the country’s happiness and indeed survival. Respect is still the cornerstone of Bhutanese culture, offered not only to king and monks but to all human beings, animals and plants.

Children may cover their mouth as they speak to avoid polluting the air you breathe and people bow at the roadside if a dignitary goes past - no compulsion, just tradition. Bhutan was given democracy as a parting gift by the retiring king, but the royal family remains as close as ever to the people’s heart. Where else would a king walk across the fields to chat to farmers, join in an archery contest or dance with his people at festival time?

Bhutanese festivals are joyful religious events, a chance to meet family and friends from distant villages, have fun and earn merits for the next life according to tradition. There are dancing monks and jesters, offerings, blessings, Buddhist teachings, and reminders about safe sex and the importance of work, valued as an act of worship.

Should a new shrine be needed or a temple statue, there’s no shortage of free labour and from a young age, children are taught house chores and farm work and expected to clean their classrooms to prepare them for adult life.

Here there are no beggars or homeless in the streets, nearly every farmer owns his plot of land and men and women have equal status. Healthcare and education are free and a total smoking ban was introduced to protect the children’s health. It may seem harsh to outsiders but it made sense to the people.

Most Bhutanese claim unreservedly to be happy, have no wish to live anywhere else and those who study abroad are keen to return. Travelling through the kingdom’s virgin mountains and valleys, it’s easy to understand. Buddhism teaches respect for nature and all living things and in matters of conservation, Bhutan is well ahead of many ‘developed’ nations.

Some 60% of the land is protected forest, solar power and hydro-electricity are favoured for minimum impact, hunting and fishing are almost non-existent and there are no plastic bags. Small farmers and herders respect the environment and national parks and reserves stretch from tropical lowlands in the south to snowy peaks and glaciers in the north.

It’s no wonder this small kingdom should claim over 5000 species of plants, including blue poppies, rare orchids and a wealth of medicinal herbs. Black bears, snow leopards and tigers live undisturbed and there are over 675 species of birds, from hornbills to endangered black-necked cranes whose return to wintering grounds is celebrated with great joy. In the quest for Gross National Happiness, this pristine natural world is sure to play a major role, alongside sustainable development and unshakable traditional values.

By Solange Hando

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