Explanation
Culture and development is not only integral but also inevitable for sustainable development. Cultural value and moral implications of individuals and communities are the foundation of socio-economic development of any nation. Landlocked in the Himalayas, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan appear almost untouched by globalization. The culture and traditional values in Bhutan is deeply rooted to Buddhism. Behavior, perception and daily routines of people are directly guided by the religion, cultural values and belief. Thus the preservation and promotion of culture is one of the four pillars in realizing the country’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
GNH is the middle path of development that embraces a balance between spiritual and material development towards the attainment of happiness by the Bhutanese. The concept of GNH as a unique and primary development philosophy was initiated and coined by His Majesty, the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty believes that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product” and therefore a people centered development with happiness with value as the end goal is what it should be for Bhutan. And thus beside economic factors, one should take account of social factors, environmental, cultural, and good governance. The ultimate goal of development must be happiness and human well-being, but should not be economic development or to be a winner in the global competitions (Karma Ura, 2009). Every individual no matter what race, creed, colour, origin, nationality the ultimate aspiration of life is happiness. Therefore, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) established the GNH Commission to guide the planning process in the country. In addition, the establishment of democracy in the country has led to the review of many policies in all ministries and autonomous institutions so that services are improved and delivered on time.
This main purpose of this paper is to examine the culture and development of Bhutan and will make necessary recommendation addressed to the government on how to foster culture approach in designing development policies based on stock piling.
