Universities are more than just places for earning degrees; they are hubs of knowledge, creativity, and meaningful discussions that shape a better society. In this spirit, under the esteemed patronage of the Hon'ble Chancellor Dr. A.S. Ganesan, Vinayaka Mission's School of Economics and Public Policy (VSEP), a distinguished constituent of the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation (Deemed University), inaugurated the thought-provoking webinar series 'Idea to Impact' a few months back.
On 26th February, the 5th episode of the ‘Idea to Impact’ webinar series, was conducted by Vinayaka Mission's School of Economics and Public Policy (VSEP), explored the intricate interplay between economic progress, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. The session was moderated by Dr. Debdulal Thakur, Dean of VSEP, who welcomed Mr. Nima Nima, former parliamentarian of Bhutan’s National Council. This webinar series aims to uncover the historical narratives and policy-making processes that shape governance models across nations.
Mr. Nima emphasized that economic development must translate into happiness for the people, which remains the cornerstone of Bhutan’s policies. Basic healthcare and education are free in Bhutan, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering well-being. Beyond economic indicators, the country prioritizes social services, ensuring that citizens can lead healthy and prosperous lives.
One of the most striking features of Bhutan’s governance is its commitment to environmental preservation. Bhutan, a Himalayan nation with a fragile ecosystem, has enshrined in its Constitution that at least 60% of its land must remain under forest cover in perpetuity. Currently, the country boasts 72% forest cover, making it carbon-negative rather than just carbon-neutral. More than half of Bhutan is designated as protected natural reserves and parks, underscoring its leadership in global conservation efforts.
The emphasis on nature and culture resonates strongly with Tamil Nadu in India, where ancient traditions of water conservation and temple architecture reflect a similar ethos of sustainable development. Tamil Nadu, a region historically affected by water scarcity, has incorporated large temple water reservoirs or ‘temple tanks’ as a crucial part of its ecological infrastructure. These reservoirs, often adjacent to temples, were not just spiritual sanctuaries but also served as sophisticated water-harvesting systems long before the term became mainstream. This ancient practice, like Bhutan’s environmental policies, demonstrates the wisdom of integrating cultural heritage with ecological balance.
However, Bhutan's vision extends beyond economic growth and environmental sustainability. The nation actively works towards preserving its cultural heritage in the face of globalization. The advent of the internet, social media, and external influences has brought rapid changes, influencing the younger generation. Mr. Nima acknowledged that culture must evolve but emphasized the need to carefully assess which aspects should be preserved and which may be adapted. Schools in Bhutan engage students in debates about traditional values, ensuring that cultural evolution remains a thoughtful process rather than an uncontrolled shift.
The fourth and final pillar of Gross National Happiness (GNH) is good governance. Bhutan transitioned smoothly into a constitutional democratic monarchy in 2008, making it one of the few nations where democracy was granted by the monarchy rather than fought for by the people. Mr. Nima recounted that King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s Fourth King, voluntarily introduced democracy, recognizing that while a benevolent monarchy served the nation well, the people should have a voice in governance in case future rulers were less capable. Bhutan’s decentralization efforts began long before 2008, ensuring that local governance structures were already in place before the formal transition.
Bhutan's commitment to GNH as a development philosophy goes beyond rhetoric. The nation has devised a GNH Index, which measures happiness across nine domains, including health, education, living standards, environmental diversity, community vitality, cultural diversity, time use, psychological well-being, and good governance. The government uses GNH indicators to guide policy decisions and budget allocations. For instance, if a district scores low in health or education, additional funding is allocated to improve services in that area. This approach ensures evidence-based policymaking rather than arbitrary resource distribution.
Bhutan has also introduced a GNH screening tool for all policy decisions. Before a policy is adopted or a new law is enacted, it must pass through this framework to ensure alignment with national values. If a policy fails to meet the required criteria, it is revised or rejected. A prime example is Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy, which charges international tourists a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night (₹1,200 for regional tourists). While some perceive this as restrictive, Bhutan defends it as a necessary measure to protect its environment and culture, ensuring that tourism benefits the nation without overwhelming its resources.
Mr. Nima also addressed the challenge of balancing economic priorities with cultural preservation. He recounted past debates in Bhutan’s parliament where some members argued that funds should only be allocated to initiatives yielding direct economic returns, such as infrastructure or industry. However, he and others maintained that not everything of value can be measured in financial terms. Restoring monasteries or preserving traditional arts may not generate immediate economic gains, but they contribute to the spiritual well-being and identity of the Bhutanese people. Similarly, Tamil Nadu’s investment in temple restoration serves both a spiritual and cultural purpose, reinforcing a shared belief that economic progress should not come at the cost of cultural heritage.
The discussion concluded with reflections on Bhutan’s unique perspective on happiness. While no society can guarantee happiness for every individual at all times, Bhutan’s government strives to create conditions that enable happiness. GNH is not a static achievement but an ongoing aspiration—one that future generations will continue to refine. As Mr. Nima noted, Bhutan’s development model is increasingly attracting interest from scholars, economists, and policymakers worldwide who recognize the limitations of GDP as the sole measure of progress.
Bhutan’s journey offers a compelling alternative to conventional development paradigms. By integrating economic growth with environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and good governance, Bhutan provides a model that prioritizes well-being over mere wealth accumulation. The parallels with Tamil Nadu's centuries-old tradition of balancing sustainability, water conservation, and culture reinforce the idea that true prosperity lies in harmonizing economic progress with cultural and ecological wisdom.
Dr. Ganesan appreciated the content of this episode and looks forward to more such interactions and thought-provoking sessions.