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World Happiness Report, 2023


ABSTRACT

“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved”

~ “George Sand”

In addition to a desired emotional state, happiness is a crucial component of human well-being with significant effects on people, groups, and entire societies. The development of strong and meaningful social connections depends critically on happiness. Being joyful tends to attract and sustain deeper social bonds.


"The World Happiness Report is a publication of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, powered by the Gallup World Poll Data". The World Happiness Report reflects a global call for greater consideration of happiness and well-being while determining public policy. It examines the current condition of happiness in the world and demonstrates how the science of happiness explains differences in happiness at the individual and societal levels.

Research Objectives

The annual happiness rankings are based on life assessments from the Gallup World Poll. They are founded on responses to key life assessment questions. The Cantril Ladder asks participants to imagine a ladder with a 10 representing their ideal life and 0 representing their worst conceivable life. On a scale of 0 to 10, they are then asked to score their own current lifestyles. The rankings were derived using three-year, nationally representative sampling. India stands at 126th position in the index, in 2023. The research question is to analyse why India is not the Happiest Country in the world.


Analysis of the World Happiness Report, 2023

The theme of the “World Happiness Report 2023” was “Be mindful. Be Grateful.”

For the sixth consecutive year, Finland has topped the report, making its place the happiest. The Nordic countries should be given special attention because they typically have high levels of institutional and interpersonal trust. Finland looks to function very well in this regard, as seen by its strong welfare system and ability to provide citizens a sense of belonging. Due to Finland's excellent unemployment benefits and nearly free healthcare, there are fewer people there who are unsatisfied with their lives. Citizens of the nation feel safe and healthy as a result of the good urban planning of the nation. The country is well known for its well-functioning public services, widespread observance of the law, low rates of inequality, and crime.


Why India Is Not the Happiest Country In the World ?

The World Happiness Index is determined by considering several variables that are thought to affect happiness and well-being. According to the “World Happiness Report, 2023” India has been ranked 126. The crucial reason for India scoring such low rank in the report is because of the impact that pandemic had done on us.

During the Covid-19, numerous people lost their job which ultimately led them to inculcate serious illness, depression, and anxiety, as it is obvious that even employment is one of the factors which impact the sense of security and have an impact on happiness of the people and if those certain people losses the job because of some unavoidable reasons, then it makes the people unhappy.

Another reason which made the people unhappy is the lack of social interaction among each other as lockdown during the pandemic was the main reason which made the people to rarely interact with each other. The strength of a person's social networks and community are measured by this element. Through survey questions that probe into the sense of support offered by friends and family, it is ascertained.


The other factor is the corruption, corruption of today is pervasive throughout society, like an infectious disease. The great Indian leaders who have spent their entire lives working to eradicate social ills like corruption from society. We are in a very shameful situation because, despite losing many great people, we are still unable to recognize our true obligations. Corruption has crept into all facets of society, including politics, business, government (federal, state, local), and industry. It has not abandoned any fields. Because of the ongoing increase in people's appetite for money, power, position, and luxury, corruption is growing daily rather than decreasing or remaining stable. This metric describes how much the public thinks that corruption exists in both the business and government sectors. It illustrates how people view institutions' dependability.

As we examine India's position of 126 in the World Happiness Report 2023, the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic becomes clear as a defining feature. Undoubtedly, job losses have reduced the nation's happiness index, which in turn has led to health problems, sadness, and worry. Lockdowns made it more difficult to socialize, which made this decline even worse. A multi-pronged strategy is essential to addressing these issues and increasing India's happiness levels. Economic recovery and job creation should be prioritized, as should the strengthening of mental health support networks and the development of technology-driven platforms that enable social interactions even during periods of physical separation. Fighting corruption is essential for restoring society's trust in institutions, preserving equality, and developing a feeling of fairness.


Conclusion

Happiness has an impact on society in addition to influencing personal well-being. Happy people attract and maintain relationships, encouraging shared experiences and emotional support, which is the perfect environment for the growth of meaningful social ties. The necessity of giving happiness top priority in determining public policy is highlighted by the World Happiness Report. Furthermore, fostering mindfulness, appreciation, and compassion through educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns can alter cultural norms and improve the mood of the general populace. India will be happier and more resilient if it embraces variety, recognizes accomplishments, and fortifies communal ties.

India has the chance to choose a course for higher well-being in a society where happiness is valued as more than just a transitory emotion by dealing with the pandemic's aftermath, fostering social ties, supporting moral government, and encouraging wholesome ideals. India may get a little bit closer to real happiness by working together to realize George Sand's timeless truth that love and connection are the basis of true happiness.


References

*This article was authored by Samiksha Biswakarma & Rhea Saini, Students from Symbiosis Law School, Noida and reviewed by Khushi Sancheti, Student from Symbiosis Law School, Noida.

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