By Dr Asangba Tzudir
In traditional societies, the idea of ‘Well-being’ of the community largely depended on their governance system, religious beliefs and practices including sacrificial offerings, and their economy which had a lot to do with their cultivation and farming. In modern societies, ‘well-being’ is often premised on the health of the economy and is ‘measured’ from the lens of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic growth as the primary metrics. Now, because of this narrow lens, the larger picture of ‘well-being’ is missed. Not only that, it has also created a narrow mindset in the minds of the masses and which also has a bearing on why masses often fail to see the interconnectedness of issues mainly environmental degradation, social inequalities, and which has an impact on the larger ‘well-being.’
Within the lens of GDP and the overall economic growth, pertinent issues like environmental degradation and resource depletion have often been ignored comparatively, so also the widening income inequalities and social injustices, and also prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability while formulating ‘welfare policies.’ A bare life that exists can be defined by the availability of food, but to truly measure quality life and thereby ‘well-being’, there are some important indices which must be considered.
Firstly, the human aspect needs to be addressed and which includes life expectancy, education, health and mental health. Secondly, the Environmental Sustainability that brings the larger questions relating to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and the overall health of the ecosystem. Thirdly, the issues of social justice which includes income inequalities, access to basic healthcare, and social mobility. Fourthly, community participation forms an integral aspect of the larger ‘well-being’, and therefore the call for community participation must begin by first recognizing and valuing community participation, and which will act as a catalyst to make into a habit, a lifestyle by moving beyond rituals like remembering to plant trees in observance of world environment day.
Beyond GDP, greater emphasis needs to be laid on indices like the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) and Human Development Index (HDI) which offers a more comprehensive picture of ‘well-being.’ Within this larger framework, a culture of sustainability and social responsibility can be fostered and which will also make the masses more aware and help become environmental stewards while giving care to the environment in return. For instance, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in India in 2019 and was aimed to significantly enhance the air quality in India by 2026, aiming to have a 40% reduction in pollution levels compared to 2017. To this end, district administrations in Nagaland have started launching the programme to create greater awareness. Such initiatives also help imbibe a spirit of ‘care’ for our environment. The broadened framework will also encourage policymakers to prioritize ‘well-being’ towards building a more just and equitable society.
In spite of the challenges today, it is time to move beyond the narrow lens of GDP and economic growth, by embracing a broader understanding of growth, development and sustainability, and one that prioritizes the larger ‘well-being.’
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorials for the Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
