To the Editor,
The Bhutan Live
Dear Sir/Madam,
Bhutan’s unique global identity—our proud philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH)—continues to inspire and intrigue the world. It is a powerful brand, a bold alternative to conventional metrics of progress. Yet, as we take pride in this visionary path, we must also face a sobering reality: our position in the Human Development Index (HDI) currently stands at 125th.
This ranking places us among countries grappling with far greater structural and developmental challenges. Such a disconnect between our aspirational identity and measurable outcomes invites serious reflection. GNH remains our moral compass, but if we do not also strengthen the foundations of health, education, and economic opportunity, we risk stumbling rather than sprinting toward a better future.
We cannot climb in the world’s eyes by standing still in our own. The time has come for an honest reckoning—one that respects the spirit of GNH while embracing the hard work required to turn happiness into holistic human development. Let us ensure that our ideals are not just admired, but also matched by the lived realities of every Bhutanese citizen.
Sincerely,
Lucy Wangmo
