It is huge question. We must be able to relate why we are happier than many, why we have to be proud as Bhutanese.
"Are you happy with your life as a Bhutanese?" A blatant question was thrown in after I shared something on philosophy of GNH to a Sri Lankan novelist. We were in a bus en route to our hotels at Delhi. It was October 2017 during a Literary Festival at Delhi.
"You mean am I happy?" I repeated a reversal, more as a measure to cuff in seconds for introspection than understanding of the question.
Then, like struck by blazing comet in the recess of my mind's expanse, answer escaped my lips. I felt a deep sense of justice in my extrapolation.
"Happiness is feeling sense of security, fearlessness and freedom wherever you stay. It is in everyone's conscience. Peace is almost a prevalent natural wealth, happiness and a visible aura on every Bhutanese people."
The novelist gazed at me with longing eyes. A question with a smear of doubt came, "But are you happy?"
My comet blazed with poetic pride.
"When I can walk the streets without fear,
when I can laugh with strangers without restraint,
when visiting hospitals and temples is without sectarian doubts, when I can sleep in the corridors like home,
when the only gunshots are monsoon thunder,
when explosions are a churning butter tea,
when ailing cries' find a lap on every neighbour,
when smile on the street is innate,
when tomorrow is a reality from the golden throne,
when democracy is a gift not a swag,
and when my unhappiness is only a question
why rest of the human beings are deprived the richness
Of happiness I own by fortune,
how can I not be a happy Bhutanese."
The answer I heard was, "You are so lucky to be born in Bhutan. I want to travel there one day." I welcomed with pride, and sat back as the bus we were travelling revved to a definite halt, fallen in love again to the land I belong to.
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