Gross National Happiness The Kingdom of Bhutan, situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayan Range, is a little known country despite its full membership of the United Nations since 1971. Roughly 5,000 tourists per year are allowed to visit this pristine region where millennial traditions co-exist with modern technology.
Under the guidance of its Head of State, His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Royal Government of Bhutan is implementing a unique, long-term political strategy called "Gross National Happiness" [GNH]. This policy is based on the belief that the primary purpose of development is to bring happiness to the population of Bhutan, rather than aiming solely for an increase in Gross Domestic Product. The idea is to introduce the idea of GNH as the center of Bhutanese government-policy is a unique undertaking for guiding a nation's long-term destiny. Happiness as a measuring stick for a nation's development cannot be described quantitatively. It is therefore open for criticism by those who believe that numbers are the only acceptable criteria for success or failure. On the other hand, it is also open to praise by those who believe that Gross Domestic Product [GPD] is not sufficient to describe the wellbeing of a given population.
The idea of GNH receives more and more attention around the world by academic circles and leading newspapers like the Wall Street Journal [October 8th, 2004]. The basic ideas behind this novel approach are based on four pillars: A. Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
B. Conservation of the fragile Himalayan ecology
C. Preservation and promotion of the traditional culture
D. Enhancement of good governance
These four principles for a modern government policy are in tune with the Buddhist traditions prevailing in Bhutan from the time this philosophy spread from India northwards in the 9th century.
In a world where material prosperity appears to be the only measuring stick for progress, it is important and highly interesting to investigate this alternative approach by GNH through an audio-visual documentary.
In order to obtain an inside view of Bhutan and the mind of its people, a trans-cultural documentary film crew consisting of Bhutanese and Swiss nationals will realize a documentary film. A team of the Bhutanese Broadcasting Services [BBS] is working on the content and the places of filming. The purpose of this project is to draw attention of decision makers worldwide to the idea of "Gross National Happiness" that Bhutan is experimenting on a nation-wide range under real-time conditions. This government strategy will be "captured" by a documentary film that describes it without preconceived ideas: A "trans-cultural" crew of Bhutanese and Swiss nationals will do its very best to ensure that this production will represent a factual description of GNH and will not dwell in an interpretative mode of expression. You can view trailers of the Gross National Happiness film project online. If you would like to help support the goals of the Gross National Happiness documentary film project, please donate here. We also encourage you to become a member of the Marion Institute and help us heal the planet.
contact details:
Dr. Erik Allgoewer
Gross National Happiness
www.favach.org Callum Grieve
The Marion Institute
3 Barnabas Road
Marion, MA 02738
508.748.0816.ph
508.748.1976.fx
|
