Praveen Dwivedi

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/281, proclaiming 20 March to be observed annually as International Day of Happiness. Worldwide people have come to realise that the economic growth that had been understood as the main criterion for a countries development, is no more precious than happiness. Therefore more and more people have come to believe that our success as countries should be judged by the happiness of our people.

The Happiness Index is a measure of a country’s overall well-being and contentment based on various factors such as economic growth, social welfare, education, and health. According to the 2023 World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row. India’s position in the World Happiness Report has improved from 136 to 126, although it is still behind its neighboring countries such as Nepal, China, and Bangladesh.

It is very surprising that despite having the world’s fastest-growing economy, India’s ranking in the report has consistently been low, leading some to question how it can be ranked lower than countries in turmoil. The region of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both countries rank higher than India in the World Happiness Report, with Russia ranked 70th and Ukraine ranked 92nd.

While Happiness Index is a widely accepted metric to compare the happiness levels of different nations, it has several flaws that do not do justice to India.

Firstly, the Happiness Index mainly relies on surveys conducted on a small percentage of the population. These surveys are often conducted in urban areas, and the rural population, which makes up a significant portion of India’s population, is generally left out. This exclusion skews the data and does not provide an accurate representation of the country’s overall happiness levels.

Secondly, the Happiness Index does not take into account the cultural and societal differences that exist in different regions of India. India is a diverse country with many languages, religions, and traditions. Therefore, the happiness levels in different regions vary, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not apply.

Thirdly, the Happiness Index places too much emphasis on economic growth as a measure of happiness. However, India’s economic growth has not translated into an equitable distribution of wealth, and income inequality remains a significant issue. This inequality has resulted in many people being left behind and feeling unhappy, despite the country’s overall economic growth.

Lastly, the Happiness Index does not account for the impact of social and political factors on people’s happiness levels.

India has been grappling with issues such as corruption, crime, and communal violence, which have a significant impact on people’s well-being. These factors are not captured by the Happiness Index, leading to an incomplete picture of the country’s happiness levels.

In conclusion, while the Happiness Index is a useful tool for comparing the well-being of different nations, it does not provide an accurate representation of India’s happiness levels.

India’s cultural and societal differences, income inequality, and social and political factors need to be taken into account to get a more comprehensive understanding of the country’s happiness levels. In fact, India is much happier than what the Happiness Index shows.

Firstly, the Happiness Index does not take into account India’s strong sense of community and social support. Despite economic challenges and social issues, the people of India have a strong bond and support system that contributes to their overall happiness. Family and social relationships are highly valued in Indian culture, and these relationships provide a sense of belonging and purpose that are not captured by the Happiness Index.

Secondly, India has a rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions that contribute to people’s happiness. Practices such as yoga and meditation are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and have been shown to have a positive impact on mental well-being. These practices are not adequately measured by the Happiness Index.

Thirdly, the Happiness Index places too much emphasis on material wealth and economic growth as a measure of happiness. However, India’s happiness is not solely dependent on its economic performance. India is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and its people take pride in their heritage and traditions. This pride and sense of identity contribute significantly to the country’s happiness levels.

Lastly, the Happiness Index does not take into account India’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges such as poverty The Happiness Index is a commonly used measure of a country’s overall well-being and contentment. One of the primary flaws of the Happiness Index is that it relies heavily on subjective survey data, which may not be representative of the entire population. In India, this is particularly problematic because the majority of the population resides in rural areas, which are often excluded from these surveys.

Additionally, India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity may not be fully captured in the survey questions, leading to skewed results. India’s rich cultural heritage plays a significant role in fostering happiness. Furthermore, the Happiness Index places a significant emphasis on economic development, which may not be the sole determinant of happiness in India. While India has made significant economic progress over the years, income inequality and poverty remain a major concern, especially in rural areas. However, despite these challenges, Indians have shown resilience and happiness in the face of adversity, which may not be reflected in the survey data.

In India, community, family, and spirituality are significant contributors to happiness. Indian society is built on a strong sense of community and social support, which is not captured in the survey data. From festivals to art, music, and dance, India’s cultural heritage is a source of joy and pride for many Indians. These cultural traditions help foster a sense of identity and belonging, which is not reflected in the survey data. In conclusion, while the Happiness Index is a valuable tool for measuring well-being, it has several flaws that may not accurately reflect India’s happiness levels. Despite the challenges, India remains a country with a rich cultural heritage, a sense of community, and a spirit of resilience and optimism, all of which contribute to its people’s overall happiness.