Finding the root of unhappiness

The World Happiness Report 2025, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, ranks India at 118th, below Saudi Arabia, Libya, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Rwanda, China, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Ukraine, Iraq, and Cameroon on the World Happiness Index. The happiness level was measured on the basis of people’s self-assessed life evaluations, income, life expectancy and social security among citizens. India, being the world’s fifth-largest $3.7 trillion economy, should address the causes of unhappiness.

A balanced lifestyle, a healthy social life, safety and security have made Finland the happiest nation in the world. “They’re not happy, joyful, dancing-in-the-streets type people, but they’re very content with their lives,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at the University of Oxford and editor of the World Happiness Report. The Indian sages and seers have said contentment gives peace of mind.

Researchers have found increased social isolation makes people unhappy. Migration of youth for livelihood, better pay, career growth, study and a better quality of life in big cities and abroad leaves family members in isolation. Low- and semi-skilled workers, as well as professionals numbering 32 million, form the largest diaspora of Indian migrants in the world. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 13.35 lakh students are currently pursuing higher education in foreign universities, and their number is expected to reach 15 lakh by 2025.

There is a need to enhance the quality of 1,114 universities and establish more universities so that the children will get quality education, advanced research facilities and exposure to innovative learning environments; the prospect of employment and higher salary will keep the students in India.

The Happiness Survey reveals increased stress levels in megacities despite economic opportunities. Overcrowding, social disconnection, and environmental issues trouble the urbanites. Small cities and villages report higher happiness due to stronger social bonds and a lower cost of living. The economic planners should preserve the economic diversity of the country so that people can earn money in small towns and villages.

The judiciary can significantly enhance the happiness level of people by delivering justice in a quick, efficient and transparent manner.  As of February 2025, the Supreme Court has 81,274 cases, the high courts have 62.5 lakh cases and the district courts have 4.5 crore cases pending. Only 0.5% of Indians get legal aid even as about 80% of the population was entitled to it, said senior Supreme Court Judge Sharad Bobde. 

A 2020 NSSO report reveals that the average education expenses have nearly doubled over the previous decade. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 25% of children lack access to formal education. Quality education at an affordable cost will bring happiness to the majority of people. Recently, cybercrime has become a potential source of anxiety. It is projected to rise to a staggering one trillion per annum by 2033, shows a study conducted by PRAHAR (Public Response against Helplessness & Action for Redressal). Similarly, food adulteration has a negative impact on the health and happiness of people. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) recently found widespread adulteration of daily food items, including milk, spices, and tea in Bengaluru; the agency has found 54 idli samples unsafe for human consumption. The FDA search should spread to all the Indian cities.

India is home to the highest number of undernourished and anaemic children in the world. A study conducted by the National Institute of Health reveals that 4% of India’s GDP and 8% of its productivity are lost due to child malnutrition. An affordable, quality healthcare system brings happiness to people; a vast majority do not have access to healthcare facilities in rural and semi-urban India. Service mentality should replace greed in this profession.

The worsening climate crisis is adding to the woes of citizens. India is set to experience an unusually hot summer, with heatwave days expected to double in several states, the IMD warned. Trees, water bodies, open space and maximum use of eco-friendly material can reduce summer heat.
Ultimately, people’s happiness depends on good human beings who can ensure good governance and reweave India with a visible single thread - unity in diversity. 

(The writer is a sustainable micro-economic activities analyst)