Gross National Happiness through ICTs for Development: A Case Study of the Jakar Community Multimedia Center

In: Media and public culture: proceedings of the Second International Seminar on Bhutan Studies. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2007, pp. 172-187 . ISBN 99936-14-41-6

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Abstract

Three very pertinent questions form the content of this research paper. The first question is how can Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) meaningfully lead to 'development' in its truest sense? This may be possible through the Community Multimedia Center (CMC) which can turn a marginalized, secluded community suffering from information poverty into a community that may then be termed as 'Information Society'. Secondly, how can a CMC play a pivotal role in harnessing the twin philosophies of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and Development? The present paper then continues to examine the potentialities within the Jakar Community Multimedia Center (as a center for media and public culture) in preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Bhutan. In conclusion, the paper lauds and supports His Royal Majesty's unique concept of GNH as a true indicator of people's development in Bhutan by settling down on its title: Gross National Happiness through ICT for Development. This paper is focuses into an examination of these three aspects within the focal theme of "Media and Public Culture in Bhutan".