Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index
The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index is a holistic measure of well-being and progress that prioritizes happiness and collective well-being over purely economic growth. It was conceptualized in the 1970s by the 4th King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Key Features of GNH
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Core Principles:
GNH emphasizes a balance between material and spiritual well-being, focusing on sustainable and inclusive development. -
Domains of GNH:
The index measures happiness across 9 domains, which reflect the multidimensional aspects of well-being:- Psychological well-being.
- Health.
- Education.
- Time use.
- Cultural diversity and resilience.
- Good governance.
- Community vitality.
- Ecological diversity and resilience.
- Living standards.
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Scoring:
GNH identifies the proportion of people who are happy in each domain, ranging from deeply happy to not-yet-happy.
Significance
- Policy Tool: Guides governance decisions to ensure policies enhance citizen happiness.
- Focus on Sustainability: Encourages practices that align with environmental and social well-being.
- Global Inspiration: Recognized internationally as a model for sustainable development and well-being metrics.
Bhutan’s Implementation
- Bhutan is the first and only country to officially adopt GNH as a measure of development.
- Its policies, including those on environmental conservation and cultural preservation, are assessed through the GNH lens.
Global Relevance
- United Nations Resolution: In 2011, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution encouraging countries to adopt happiness and well-being measures in development frameworks.
- Countries like New Zealand and Finland have drawn inspiration from GNH principles.
India and GNH
- India shares cultural and philosophical ties with Bhutan and promotes well-being through initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, and efforts toward mental health awareness.
The GNH Index presents a visionary approach to development, emphasizing that true progress lies in balancing material, spiritual, and ecological well-being. It serves as a reminder that sustainable development must prioritize human happiness alongside economic growth.