Gross Local Happiness

To all students, teachers and parents

Abstract

The 21st century promises to be the "century of interdependence." Yet, growing interdependence is no guarantee for greater equity of sustainable and just development. To ensure that increasing interdependence leads to an extending and deepening mind, the education system must appropriately respond to and coordinate the complex dynamics that characterize 21st century social, economic, political, and cultural realities.  The consensus from the students, teachers, parents, and policymakers throughout Bhutan is clear. Ancient wisdom needs to be integrated into the future Education system. This paper proposes forging a coordinated approach to an educational system systematically informed by traditional conceptual resources, which is consonant with future education systems to 'form the mind' rather than 'filling' it.  Such an educational system would organically develop the body, speech, and mind while effectively interacting with people, culture, and environment. In particular, it will secure emotional intelligence and mental balance. That is essential to stay relevant and stay ahead in the age of algorithms.