GNH: The Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research organised a day-long workshop on Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Thimphu yesterday.

The workshop was part of a larger GNH workshop series to provide information and raise awareness among tour guides, journalists and civil servants. The participants were sensitised on the concept and measurement of GNH.

According to the organiser, it has become vital for tour guides to be sensitised on GNH to enable them to disseminate information on the subject accurately to tourists. GNH is one of the main tourist attractions in Bhutan.

It is also equally important for guides to have some knowledge on Bhutan’s foreign policy to avoid misinformation, said the organiser.

The workshop featured keynote lectures from various institutions. About 100 guides took part in the workshop.

Speaking to guides, Sangay Phuntsho, one of the speakers, highlighted the findings of the 2015 GNH survey. He said that such surveys help the government relocate its developmental priorities.  “They tell us where the government needs to place its priority.”

For instance, a large percentage of the population knows how to weave, but only a small section of the population knows other skills.

Sangay Phuntsho highlighted the importance of Driglam Namzha (Bhutanese etiquette) in the society. He said that Driglam Namzha is stronger in rural Bhutan than in urban centres.

The participants guides were awarded certificates at the end of the programme.

MB Subba