Even in times of unprecedented technological advancements, ease of travel, smooth connectivity and all that has made our lives more comfortable, we are not happy. Large sections are dissatisfied with the current political setup, some resent the religious demography of the nation, some are excessively intolerant to what is practically trivia, etc. A part of our vexation can also be attributed to inequitable resource distribution and a deploring climate. Clearly, even growth in double digits can not ensure the real well being and satisfaction of people.
Years ago, a tiny Himalayan kingdom gave to the world an idea, which is still underestimated and underutilized, the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Economic or industrial growth is limited to resource and employment generation. GNH is an aggregate that measures how well economic gains are distributed across the economy and how well they impact lives.
This is no abstract concept. There are clearly defined parameters of measurement and a UN Resolution, formulating it into a much required and relevant index.
The four pillars of the GNH are as under:
1. Ensuring Sustainable Development
2. Preservation and promotion of cultural values
3. Conservation of natural environment
4. Establishment of good governance
These are further classified into 9 domains:
a) Psychological well being
b) health
c) education
d) time use
e) cultural diversity
f) good governance
g) ecological diversity
h) community vitality
i) living standards
To further add substance to it, the UN General Assembly decided to bring out a 'World Happiness Report' every year. In 2016, out of 185 countries, Bhutan, the brain behind GNH, ranked 84. Denmark topped the list while Syria and Burundi were found to be the most unhappy countries.India stands at 118 (we are better than just the African continent). Surprisingly, Pakistan is happier at 92!
This is hence, a more accurate index of measuring development as true development or growth lies in betterment of the living standards of people. The objective of the government shouldn't be within the periphery of macroeconomic growth, number boosting and revenue generation, it ought to venture into a citizen's life and ensure his contentment.
Years ago, a tiny Himalayan kingdom gave to the world an idea, which is still underestimated and underutilized, the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Economic or industrial growth is limited to resource and employment generation. GNH is an aggregate that measures how well economic gains are distributed across the economy and how well they impact lives.
This is no abstract concept. There are clearly defined parameters of measurement and a UN Resolution, formulating it into a much required and relevant index.
The four pillars of the GNH are as under:
1. Ensuring Sustainable Development
2. Preservation and promotion of cultural values
3. Conservation of natural environment
4. Establishment of good governance
These are further classified into 9 domains:
a) Psychological well being
b) health
c) education
d) time use
e) cultural diversity
f) good governance
g) ecological diversity
h) community vitality
i) living standards
To further add substance to it, the UN General Assembly decided to bring out a 'World Happiness Report' every year. In 2016, out of 185 countries, Bhutan, the brain behind GNH, ranked 84. Denmark topped the list while Syria and Burundi were found to be the most unhappy countries.India stands at 118 (we are better than just the African continent). Surprisingly, Pakistan is happier at 92!
This is hence, a more accurate index of measuring development as true development or growth lies in betterment of the living standards of people. The objective of the government shouldn't be within the periphery of macroeconomic growth, number boosting and revenue generation, it ought to venture into a citizen's life and ensure his contentment.
How do we trust this unit?
ReplyDeleteHow do I say that this actually effectively measures happiness?
I would rather say a little unhappy than stand over other skulls and smile. If the index ranks my beloved neighbour Pakistan above India, I am rather gonna boast my GDP. Maybe the people in general there, are happy. But they will be. It's a theocratic country who anyway "outcasted" the 15% who were way more than just unhappy there and dwindled down their fraction to about 2% now. That is a fantastic way to establish happiness throughout the nation. -_-
I seriously doubt how assiduous it is regarding acknowledging the diversity of a nation.
We could of course boast our gdp, but if it is not benefitting the lives of people for real, it is of no use. It is just like admitting that China is prosperous and leading in growth but people have no opinion or say, a large section has still not received the gains of economic growth yet we should hold china's model commendable. In the end, all that matters is satisfaction of the people.
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