India and many developing nations calculate gross domestic product as an indicator for their growth and development which is a sum total of the value all the goods and survives produced in an economy. This being a mere quantitative approach does not hover ever take into account the quality of growth and development a country should walk upon. As a result, a more holistic and multidimensional index was introduced termed as gross national happiness. It took into account a more progressive approach giving importance to non- economic factors of wellbeing such as happiness.
The phrase “ gross national happiness” was first used and coined in 1972 by the 4th King of Bhutan Jigme Singhye Wangchuk. Since then , the idea of gross national happiness (GNH) has influenced Bhutan's economic and social policy and captured the imagination of others far beyond its borders. The index of GNH is developed from 33 indicators categorized under 9 domains namely;
The GNH Index is devised by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. it is based on the multidimensional measurement of Alkire -Foster method. It identifies four groups of people- unhappy ,narrowly happy, extensively happy and deeply happy. This analysis explores the happiness people enjoy already and then focuses on policies that can increase happiness.
The recent scenario of the pandemic where people were forced to forego their social life and stay indoor has greatly brought light to the importance of mental health and physical wellbeing to promote peace and happiness not only among individuals but also among nations. Thus, the stated goal of all the nations should be to promote policies to achieve the joint goal to maximize GNH.
The GNH Index is published in the Gross Happiness Report by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solution Network using data from the Gallop World Poll. As of March 2021, Finland ranks top in the GNH four times in a row. India ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the UN's World Happiness Report 2021. India's neighboring countries namely Pakistan ranked 105th, Bangladesh ranked 101 and China ranked 84th on the report .
What makes Finland the happiest country four times in a row is something surely that we need to reflect upon. It may not be the most powerful country but it surely has something to offer that other nations are lacking. Finland has long been praised for its extensive welfare benefits , low level of corruption, well functioning democracy, scenic beauty and its instilled sense of freedom and autonomy. Its progressive taxation and wealth distribution has flourished universal health care system and more than 80 % of the Finns trust their police force which is more than any other country has to offer.
