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The Kingdom of Bhutan inspires new centre at Maharishi University of Management by Global Good News staff writer Global Good News 15 December 2011 Bill Goldstein, Director of International Development at Maharishi University of Management (MUM), felt inspired by his recent trip to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Mr Goldstein serves as an ambassador to education ministries in countries throughout the world, promoting joint programmes with MUM, which is located in Fairfield, Iowa, USA. After meetings in Bhutan, Mr Goldstein and other administrators at the university decided to start a new project. According to a university trustee who is involved in the project, 'One outcome of these meetings is the establishment, at MUM, of a new centre for the study of Gross National Happiness.' This centre operates under the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy. The Royal Kingdom of Bhutan is unique in the world for upholding the idea that the health of any society cannot be measured solely or even principally by material and economic measures of growth, such as Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. Instead, the government recognizes that the fulfilment and happiness of the people require balance in life, that inner life as well as outer life be nourished. The government, therefore, actively develops and uses more holistic measures, called Gross National Happiness, to assess national well-being and progress and to evaluate proposed plans for the country. Maharishi University of Management, due to its use of the most scientifically verified meditation technique in the world, Transcendental Meditation, in its curriculum, has had extensive experience assessing growth of happiness on an objective scale. 'The centre for study of Gross National Happiness at MUM will work not only theoretically, developing and employing measures of Gross National Happiness in an ideal society, but also practically to promote programmes that enhance balanced and integrated national life and development,' the trustee said. 'The centre aims to become a world-renowned institution, enjoying dynamic relationships with global experts, and would be very privileged to collaborate with the great pioneers in this field in the Kingdom of Bhutan.' © Copyright 2011 Global Good News® @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@