International Day of Happiness 2023: Stress is a necessary component of our existence. Stress is a significant impediment to our happiness, as virtually no one today is stress-free. Difficult careers, ruthless competition, familial issues, health complications, inflation, and a host of other factors detract from our contentment. As of 2022, India ranks 136th out of 146 countries on the World Happiness Index. It ranks as the fourth unhappiest nation in the globe. India has the lowest happiness ranking among its neighbors, trailing Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
What is the World Happiness Index?
It is a report prepared and published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) of the United Nations that documents qualitative assessments of people’s lives, progress, and well-being. The purpose of this report is to encourage governments of various nations to engage in constructive dialogue about the significance of happiness in everyone’s lives.
What criteria are used to ascertain the level of happiness in each nation?
Key assessment criteria include the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), social support, health life expectancy at birth, generosity, the form of government in the country, the public’s perception of corruption, and the freedom to make life decisions.
International Day of Happiness 2023: Date, Theme, History, Facts, Activities
Which five nations rank highest on the World Happiness Index?
Finland has been ranked first for the past five years in a row. Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and the Netherlands follow. Afghanistan comes in last place. According to a report, western nations are happier than South Asian nations.
Why is India ranked so poorly?
Numerous factors contribute to India’s “chronic unhappiness.” The rich are becoming wealthier, while the impoverished are becoming poorer. Rapid urbanisation, increased congestion in the cities, an increase in pollution, a rise in the cost of health care, an increase in violence against women and minorities, etc., are prominent factors contributing to Indians’ unhappiness.
India receives low marks for ‘GDP per capita,’ ‘Social Support,’ and ‘Health Life expectancy.’ This is primarily due to the country’s growing population. In addition, it is distressing to learn that India scored poorly on social support in a nation where social and family values are highly valued.
Nevertheless, our score for “Freedom to make life decisions” is remarkable.
What needs to change in India?
To enhance the per capita gross domestic product, social support, and healthy life expectancy, both citizens and the government must collaborate to implement institutional changes. India must also enhance its social support by ensuring that our family and friends feel exceedingly supported. The nation should pursue sustainable development and prioritize social, environmental, and economic development.
On this International Day of Happiness in 2023, we must assess our position on the World Happiness Index and take steps toward improvement.