India has lauded the initiative of Bhutan in taking up the idea of a Gross National Happiness index in the larger discourse on sustainable development at the United Nations. Speaking at the UN Headquarters yesterday, Environment Minister, Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan said, New Delhi happily co-sponsors the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on a new economic paradigm on well being and happiness. Praising the leadership of Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Thinley, Mrs. Natarajan said, India shares Bhutan’s view that human development should be based in equal measure on material progress, social inclusion, cultural life and living in harmony with nature. Reminding that millions still live in poverty, She said, while progress and growth is essential to give people a life of dignity and respect, it should also ensure ecological sustainability and the preservation of social inclusion. Mrs. Natarajan said, she was also deeply impressed by the words of President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, who said that her country have given up bullets for ballots reminding of India’s on-violent freedom struggle. Mrs. Natarajan said, balancing of economic, social and environmental dimensions in an accounting system of GDP is a challenging notion. She assured that India will live up to its obligations and global responsibilities in a fair, equitable and just paradigm.