It’s not abstract, it’s up to us

28 November 2008

The only way to relate with GNH is to speak the language of happiness. We have had a good ride in time. The PM labels it a pilgrimage. Today, we are a country of jaded seekers. The Promised Land is too far away. Dirt has spread from the hands and faces to doubtful hearts. An old man’s truism goes – “Believe those who seek happiness. Doubt those who find it.”

Our first democracy was fought mostly over promises. The mandate was GNH. Simple country folk were compelled to decipher the complexities of GNH. En masse, they wore a nonplussed look. We all did. Even in future, how can the country vote into power a GNH government with no inkling of what that meant? Perhaps because they are so busy living it.

While our kingdom prospers, 23.2% of our population still languishes below the Poverty Line. In five years, if poverty alleviation efforts succeed, 15% will still be there. Can GNH bear this moral burden? Contentment and non-exploitation is the promise of GNH. Perhaps it is time to redeem the balance of GNH by nominating an Affluence Line for the outrageously rich. The twin polarities could define taxation policies, resource allocations and policy formations.

The GNH theme of sustainable development is thundering across the globe. The global economic meltdown has brought it home. According to Ron Colman, the only silver lining in the global recession is the relief it brings to the natural world. Though not conspicuous, less consumption brings more happiness. We hope all our politicians not promise cheques that reality cannot cash. Especially pay cheques.

GNH is expanding from an alternative to a mainstream development model. A tribute to Their Majesties and the CBS team. The whole spectrum of sophisticated measurement tools and evidential basis is now available. The world is watching breathlessly. Failure is not even not a national option. It is a global one now. There are fewer abstract excuses available.

GNH is also about the creation of a compassionate society. From a culture that fusses about the moral implications of killing cockroaches, we have recently witnessed hundreds of unnatural and inhuman deaths in our dog pounds. That calls for serious reflection. I always thought we were good pilgrims. Dirty outside, clean inside. Are we? As this week’s GNH conference shows, the indicators are now in place. It’s up to us.

Ratings: 1 Star