why-is-india-an-unhappy-republic

Happiness, it is said, is a state of mind. However, in practice, the state of mind cannot be independent of the realities of the physical world. Any attempt to measure the happiness level of an individual must take into account the nature of the social milieu since individuals are integral parts of society. If happiness of citizens is the yardstick, then India fares very poorly in the world, even worse than its Asian neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

 

The latest World Happiness Report 2025, sponsored by the United Nations, puts India among lowest rung in the global list. In a survey covering 147 countries, India was ranked at a pathetic 118, making it one of the least happy countries in the world. It is ironic that a society which contributed spiritual wisdom to the world millennia ago is now counted among the unhappiest. It is time the policy makers did a candid introspection over the reasons for our collective gloominess.

 

For centuries, India has been a repository of spiritual values and intangibles like trust, generosity and social bonding. These values must be revived and strengthened to foster an overall sense of well-being.  What is needed is an effective mechanism that could deliver the skill of happiness to its masses.

 

Steady decline

 

What is alarming is that India has been steadily slipping since the global happiness index was first launched in 2012, when it ranked at 111. The index, compiled by UN-sponsored Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), uses distinct parameters to measure level of happiness such as per capita GDP, education, health and social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices and trust.

 

Finland’s unbroken streak as the world’s happiest country continued for eighth consecutive year while other Nordic countries like Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands are among the top ten happy nations. Social cohesion and a robust social safety net were common characteristics of the highest-ranking countries. The Scandinavian countries are the perennial toppers in the Global Happiness Index.

 

Despite being hailed as the land of opportunities and a favoured destination of the upwardly mobile classes, the United States fell to 24th place, its lowest-ever level in the global ranking. Despite the phenomenal progress of their economy with GDP growing five-fold over the past quarter century, Chinese are less happy today than they were 25 years ago. It is ranked 68 in the global index. At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan ranked the lowest, followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

 

People-centric policies hold the key

 

The annual report is published in collaboration with Gallup and the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre. Though India has made considerable economic progress over the last few decades, it doesn’t reflect in the Happiness Index.  The message here is that India needs to adopt a more focused, people-centric policies that result in fair distribution of economic gains. Instead of trashing the report as “western conspiracy to sully the country’s image”, we must take the findings as a wake-up call and work earnestly to improve the key development indicators.

 

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A sharp and sustained focus on employment, health and social support areas could help the country significantly improve its global standing. The index shows that India’s poor position is mainly because of the rising socioeconomic inequalities, lack of trust in governments and widespread perception of high corruption in political and administrative ranks. It means an average Indian on the street is angry, restive and frustrated. This is despite being a rising economy.

 

The importance of having a job for happiness is a major factor and holds across all of the world’s regions. The people with a job evaluate the quality of their lives much more favourably than those who are unemployed. The data also shows that rising unemployment negatively affects everyone, even those still employed.

 

Build social connections

 

While economic growth is important, it is not the sole determinant of happiness. India needs to focus on holistic development that encompasses social, cultural, and environmental aspects.

 

Addressing income inequality and promoting inclusivity can create a more equitable and happier society. The UN report emphasises the importance of strong social connections and a sense of belonging. India can focus on strengthening community networks and fostering a sense of solidarity.

 

A lack of trust in institutions and fellow citizens can negatively impact happiness.  There is an urgent need to root out corruption and build trust in government and social structures.

 

Countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, which consistently rank high in the happiness index, demonstrate the importance of strong social safety nets, high levels of trust, and a focus on overall well-being. India can learn from the Scandinavian model of social welfare, which prioritises the well-being of its citizens instead of blindly following the Western model of development.