Over eight hundred thousand people in the Happiness Kingdom woke up to the grim news of a nationwide lockdown in the morning of August 11, 2020. By 7 am it was official. The Prime Minister through a national address broadcast LIVE on national television and streamed online informed the nation that despite their best efforts, the novel Coronavirus, which had so far only reached quarantine facilities through imported cases, had found its way into the community with the detection of the first case outside the quarantine.
This was the first ever lockdown in the Kingdom. However, this small little country with limited resources was prepared for an unprecedented lockdown. Thanks to the exemplary leadership of His Majesty the King.
While globally, the devastating impact of Coronavirus has brought developed nations to their knees, Bhutan has been lauded for its excellent handling of the global pandemic with zero deaths so far. Bhutan’s index patient, an American tourist with pre-existing condition who was detected with the virus in early March, was also successfully repatriated to his home country in what has been touted as one of the most challenging cross- continent medical rescue in recent history.
The 76-year-old man not only fully recovered to the amazement of his doctors back in America, but also went on to share his extraordinary journey in Washington Post where he mentioned that a doctor told him, “Whatever they tried in Bhutan probably saved your life.”
So what is different in Bhutan’s approach to this global fight against the pandemic? What is making the difference to people’s lives in Bhutan despite the current nationwide lockdown?
Is it Bhutan’s unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness? Is it Bhutan’s small size and manageable population? Is it Bhutan’s exemplary leadership?
It is a bit of all three but most importantly what really sets Bhutan apart is the national approach to the pandemic, which has guided all response and relief efforts in this tiny nation. The national approach, articulated right from the Golden Throne by a King who has been serving on the frontlines, is based on Loving Kindness and Compassion. This approach comes straight from the heart of a leader who has left no stone unturned in delivering the promise made to his people when he was bsttowed with the Raven Crown in 2008 and became the Fifth Dragon King. “Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son…I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.”
This national approach of Loving Kindness and Compassion is the key to Bhutan’s continued peace, serenity and happiness during one of the most challenging times in the history of mankind. This is the main reason why thousands of Bhutanese living in idyllic villages, small towns, and far-flung settlements on high mountains and low valleys have found comfort in their homes during the lockdown. The government officials and frontline workers with His Majesty at the helm are leading massive efforts in combating the disruption caused by the lockdown and fighting to break the chain of local transmission in the country.
As Bhutan moves into the fourth week of nationwide lockdown, all essential services have been taken care of. Door- to-door delivery services provide essential medical supplies, vegetables, and groceries including free essential supplies to elderly citizens across the country. Through the Royal Kidu (welfare program), support is provided to daily wageworkers without any source of income during the lockdown. No one is forgotten, not even the stray dogs that are being fed by the Army upon the command of His Majesty the King.
Hundreds of monks and nuns led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, are conducting prayers across the country for the wellbeing, safety and protection of the people in the Kingdom and across the world.
Several citizen led initiatives have also been started to support the government, from raising funds, donating essential food supplies to providing free facilities to accommodate frontline workers. Many landlords have also waived rents for tenants affected by the crisis.
Thousands of volunteers are guarding the porous international border while others are delivering essential services. Some are helping the sick and the disabled while others are assisting families in carrying out funeral rituals in crematoriums.
And in the midst of this all, a gift of love – small boxes of snacks – prepared personally by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, the beautiful Queen of Bhutan, are delivered to all frontline workers, to thank them for their sacrifices and effort in combating the pandemic.
This is a world where “we are all in it together” is the new global slogan and yet our newsfeeds are flooded with images of lonely deaths,layoffs, starving children and neglected senior citizens amid the global pandemic.
In Bhutan, the focus is on what matters the most during these uncertain times –making sure each and everyone is taken care of. And that has made all the difference. For perhaps that one thought “no matter what happens, we are going to be okay” is all it takes
to unlock happiness during the lockdown in this beautiful blessed country, we all call home.
Nyema Zam
She is a broadcast journalist and communication specialist. When she is not working, she loves to travel and explore new places and cultures.
