QUEST FOR HARMONY

Close your eyes and imagine you are a king.... You love your people, but what's more, your people love you."

TSHERING TOBGAY,
Prime Minister, Bhutan

Thus began the enthralling address of the two-time prime minister of the kingdom of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Of all the humdrum measurements of economic success that rule the world, that of Bhutan stands out.

It was the first country to introduce Gross National Happiness (GNH) to measure economic growth. Tobgay, in a series of hypothetical questions to the audience at the India Today Conclave, elaborated on its continuing relevance. Does the king support free healthcare and education, preserve his land's unique culture, traditions and pristine environment? Build a sustainable economy and not just be "driven mercilessly by market forces"?