Celebration of Happiness

Source-This post on celebration of Happiness has been created based on the article “Celebrating happiness: Are we all so unhappy? published in “Live Mint” on 15 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to Growth, Development and Employment.

Context– United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution 12 years ago marking 20 March for celebration of happiness day. There are two major wars going on in the world. A world where not even a single day goes by without violence. In this context, celebrating an International Day of Happiness every year sounds a bit illogical.

What is Happiness?

The UN website describes ‘happiness’ as a fundamental human goal. It advocates a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.

Read more- Gross Happiness Index

Is economic growth sufficient to ensure a happy life?

It is closely linked with economic well-being. Studies have repeatedly shown that while the rich are generally happier than others, wealth and prosperity are no guarantee of happiness.

For ex- USA despite being one of the richest countries fares low in UN’s 2023 World Happiness Report. Whereas the Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway rank consistently among the top 10. However, they are not as rich as the USA.

What is the reason behind the consistent good performances of Nordic countries in the World Happiness Report?

The report identifies five government traits that have a close relationship with people’s well-being. They are as follows-
1) Ability to raise money
2) Ability to deliver services
3) Presence of the rule of law
4) Avoidance of civil war
5 Avoidance of repression

In all these parametrers,Nordic countries perform well. Further, these countries keep the welfare of citizens at their heart.Thus,they have a higher level of happiness.

What are the drawbacks of the World Happiness Report?

It suffers from subjectivity and inherent biases.

For ex-
a) Israel ranks among the top 10. However, it is often at war.
b) India ranks 126th out of 136 countries, below the likes of China (No. 64). It is a well-known fact that Chinese people do not have adequate civic rights and liberties. Similarly, an embattled state like Palestine is better is ranked higher than India. These outcomes raise serious questions over accuracy of findings of report.

It is important to understand that economic well-being is a necessary but not sufficient condition for happiness.

Question for practice

Why is economic growth necessary but not a sufficient condition for ensuring happiness?