Introduction
"Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times"- Aeschylus. The quote becomes significant in the backdrop of India being ranked 118th among 147 countries in World Happiness Report 2025 where it ranks lower than its neighbours such as Nepal and Pakistan.
Happiness
Happiness is generally understood as "subjective enjoyment of life as a whole" reflecting degree to which an individual perceives his/her life favourably. Scholars generally recognize two fundamental types:-
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Philosophical Quest through Eastern and Western Wisdom
Conception of happiness has been a playground for philosophical inquiry, manifesting in diverse traditions:
Indian Perspectives | Western Perspective |
Carvaka ethics: Cārvāka School says, kāma is the supreme end and artha is the means to fulfil this end. Quote: "Yavat jivet sukham jivet—As long as you live, live happily". | Epicureanism (Moderate Hedonism): Freedom from physical pain and mental anxiety. E.g. Strikes balance between necessary and unnecessary pleasures. |
Bhagavad Gita: (Nishkama Karma): You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Quote: "karmany evadhikaras te | Kant (Deontological perspective): Following "Duty for Duty sake", i.e., moral duty leads to true happiness. |
Buddhism: (Middle Path): It finds fulfillment in experience of living, rather than arriving. There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path-Buddha | Locke (Pursuit of happiness is the foundation of morality and civilization): If we had no desire for happiness, Locke suggests, we would have remained content with simple pleasures like eating and sleeping. But the desire for happiness pushes us onward, to greater and higher pleasures. |
Bhakti Tradition (Happiness through devotion and offerings): Physical and spiritual happiness is a state of feeling (emotion) and/or a happy mind, characterized by pleasure, excitement, satisfaction, pleasure, and intense love. | Utilitarianism: (Maximization of pleasure for greatest number). J.S. Mill calls for a qualitative distinction between higher (intellectual, moral, and aesthetic) pleasures and lower (sensory, bodily) pleasures, unlike Bentham |
Guru Nanak: (Santokh: Contentment): Contentment is eternal Happiness. | Stoicism: (Controlling the controllable): There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Quote: "You have power over your mind — not outside events"-Marcus Aurelius. |
Transcendental Perspective: Individual transcends worldly limitations and enters into divine world which gives "Ananda", blissful state of happiness. According to Upanishadic tradition, Sat-Chit-Ananda" refers to the three attributes of the ultimate reality, Brahman: Sat (existence/being), Chit (consciousness/awareness), and Ananda (bliss/joy) | Christian Theology: (St Augustine): Real happiness lies in ultimate union with God which can be achieved through faith and divine grace |
Obstacles to Happiness in Contemporary Life
External Factors
- Negative Social Comparisons: Unrealistic standards of (e.g. body, beauty) lead to reduction in one's self-worth and happiness.
- Lack of Social Support Systems: 19% of young adults across world reported having no one that they could count for social support (2023).
- Financial Stress and Insecurity: E.g. Poverty acts as a cognitive tax.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: E.g. Addiction to Drug Abuse affects mental health.
Internal Factors
- Self-Doubt and low self-esteem: E.g. Negative self-perception of oneself leads to anxiety, depression and lack of gratitude etc.
- Not living in the Present Moment: Persistent pessimism, overthinking, living in the Past or Future due to unresolved trauma, what may go wrong?
- Excessive Screen Time: Increased screen time and reduced free play is making young people 'The Anxious Generation'. (Economic Survey 2023-24)
How Civil Servants Can Promote Happiness Among Citizens
"The happiness of society is the end of government." — John Adams. Civil Servants can play an important role in fostering citizen's happiness and well-being by adoption of good governance, inclusive policies and empathetic administration by:
- Adoption of People-Centric Governance and efficient service delivery: E.g. Gram Panchayat Development Plan
- Transparent & Accountability: Reducing corruption through e-governance, right to Information, Social Audit etc.
- Promoting Mental & Emotional Well-Being. E.g. Tele-Manas (Toll Free Mental Health Helpline). Work-Life Balance by provisions of flexible work hours, etc.
- Social Harmony & Community Building: E.g. interfaith dialogues to curb communal tensions.
- Making Happiness an component of Policy: E.g. Gross National Happiness (Bhutan), Happiness Minister
Conclusion
Happiness, while often considered elusive, can be fostered through intentional practices and strategies that enhance overall well-being. To cultivate happiness in one's life, individuals are encouraged to engage in activities and adopt habits that align with both hedonic and eudaimonic aspects of happiness.
Case StudyXYZ District has witnessed rapid economic transformation over the last decade, marked by substantial investments in industries, technological advancements, and urbanization. The per capita income has increased significantly, and the region has become a hub for business and trade. Government initiatives have led to improved healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. However, despite these positive trends, studies indicate an alarming increase in stress, anxiety disorders, depression, social isolation, and other mental health issues among residents, particularly among youth. The pressure to meet societal expectations, fear of failure, and a lack of emotional resilience are contributing to a growing mental health crisis.
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