15 February 2020, Bengaluru: “Mindfulness is in being present with right thoughts, understanding, intention, efforts and action,” said Dr. Saamdu Chetri, a champion of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness, who talked about the ‘Journey of Gross National Happiness’, at IIMB, on February 15 (Saturday).
Dr. Saamdu Chetri, a champion of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness, delivers a talk on ‘Journey of Gross National Happiness’, on February 15, 2020 at IIMB.
Dr Chetri began his talk by sharing a few glimpses of Bhutan and its sacredness in terms of environment, people and government though the country isn’t spared by the ecological imbalances and climate changes impacting the world. “From one individual’s action, planet Earth is dying,” he observed. While sharing how Bhutan has devised and adopted the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) apart from considering GDP to measure the country’s development, he said: “Economic development must serve a purpose for all living beings. The dogma of economic growth ignores ecological and social benefits. Many things that make GDP grow, and that are therefore conventionally counted as positive signs of an expanding economy, actually signify a decline in happiness and wellbeing.”
The premise of GNH is holistic, balanced, collective, sustainable, and equitable approach in development of people and Bhutan as a nation and whole. Their holistic development agenda is based on four paradigms—Environment Preservation, Good Governance, Promotion and Preservation of Culture, and Sustainable and Equitable Socio-economic Development.
“Anything we do as individuals has direct implications on our Mother Earth. If that mindfulness arises in us, we will stop doing what is damaging our planet. So, our intentions, efforts and thoughts will all go right.” he said. Urging students to practice mindfulness, Dr. Chetri said, “Be yourself. Never try to compete or compare. Learn to accept and let go. Be grateful—say ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ whenever needed. Forgive others.”
