Gross National Happiness (GNH) Day was observed last Monday, November 11th. The GNH concept was first introduced by the Bhutanese King in the 1970s. GNH promotes a holistic approach to development, emphasising that well-being should be measured by economic growth and non-economic factors such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Using the Alkire-Foster method, the GNH Index is a unique tool that measures happiness across nine domains. Unlike GDP, which focuses solely on economic performance, GNH prioritises quality of life, offering a broader view of human fulfillment.

Cultural perceptions of happiness vary globally. In Denmark, the concept of 'hygge' reflects comfort and warmth, while Nordic countries consistently rank high in the World Happiness Report due to their solid social structures and trust.

Happiness within a country can also differ regionally, as seen in North America and Europe, where emotional expressions and personality traits vary widely. Bhutan's GNH model integrates material and spiritual development, aligning economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. Bhutan's cultural values, rooted in the belief in 'karma,' encourage kindness and communal well-being, highlighting the profound link between virtuous living and happiness.

Kindness plays a critical role in happiness, with scientific studies showing that acts of kindness release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, enhancing overall well-being. Japanese research further suggests that happier people are more inclined to be kind, reinforcing the connection between personal happiness and the desire to help others.

GNH Day reminds us that true happiness arises from a meaningful life and shared kindness and compassion that uplift society.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org