The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey

• Viksit Bharat's launch with the aim of making India a developed nation by 2047 raises questions about the conventional focus on economic growth.
• Critics argue that the Euro-centric notion of development needs reimagining, advocating for a more holistic approach.

Happiness-Centric Development

• Proposes a shift from 'Viksit Bharat' to 'Happy India-Developed India' (Khushhal Bharat-Viksit Bharat) as the central pursuit.
• Challenges the idea that economic growth alone leads to happiness, emphasising the need to prioritize mental health and well-being.

Global Scenario

• Wealthy nations have only performed on GDP and per capita income but have failed miserably in the context of social and psychological well-being indicators.
• The World Happiness Report 2023 shows many developed nations have poor happiness markers.
• India’s case is also crucial because it is ranked 126 out of 137 countries despite being the fifth-largest economy.
• According to the report’s parameters, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Netherlands are the happiest countries, achieving development without social disruption.

Happiness Metrics

• Since its inception in 2012, the World Happiness Report has devised a robust method to measure and calculate happiness.
• The happiness matrix includes six variables viz.
  • GDP per capita
  • Healthy life expectancy at birth
  • Generosity
  • Social support
  • Freedom to make life choices
  • Perception of corruption
• The Happiness Report of 2023 placed extra emphasis on trust and benevolence in crisis situations such as COVID-19.
• The report also highlighted the importance of social connections and relationships in contributing to happiness and well-being.

The Relevance of Happiness-Induced Development for India

• A happiness-induced development model is pertinent for India, considering its social relationships and cultural mandates.
• The current model of mere economic development is criticised for being highly disruptive to our social order.

Way Forward

• Social indicators should be included in development planning, moving beyond GDP as the sole measure.
• Specific indices already developed could make the agenda for Viksit Bharat@2047 more inclusive and comprehensive.
  • For example, indices like the Human Development Index, Social Development Index, Green Index, International Human Suffering Index etc.