Happiness: A Government Duty or Personal Choice?

International Happiness Day falls on 20 March each year. The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/281 on 12 July 2012 to mark the date. Bhutan proposed the resolution. The country is known for pioneering Gross National Happiness.

Global measurement and its criteria

The World Happiness Report is published annually by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre. It partners with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board. The report evaluates nations using six factors: social support, GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perception of corruption.

Digital life and the 2026 focus

Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation linked falling youth happiness to the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods. That research has influenced public debate. For 2026, the World Happiness Report will concentrate on Social Media and Wellness.

Planned angles in the 2026 report

• Digital impact on wellbeing and mental health.
• Technological positivity and constructive uses of platforms.
• Intentional use of devices and mindful screen-time choices.
• Studies connecting digital happiness with life satisfaction.

The aim is to understand the digital age and promote more intentional relationships with technology.

Rankings and concerns for India

The WHR ranks countries on reported wellbeing. In 2025 India placed 118th among 147 countries. Nepal ranked 92nd. Palestine, Pakistan, and Ukraine were at 108, 109, and 111 respectively. Analysts cite income inequality, health gaps, and data limits for lower scores.

Policy, governance and public trust

Public policy affects daily life and collective happiness. Transparency, probity, and reduced corruption matter for wellbeing. Structural reforms and stronger monitoring can build trust and improve outcomes.

Launched in October 2021, PM Gati Shakti National Masterplan aims to coordinate infrastructure work. It links more than 16 ministries through a GIS platform. The plan seeks better multimodal connectivity, faster logistics, and economic acceleration.

The masterplan targets roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics. Similar cross-sector coordination is needed in health, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and small industries. Local voices must travel up through districts to national decision makers.

Personal responsibility and everyday choices

The debate often narrows to whether happiness is a government duty or a personal choice. Both levels matter. Individuals shape mood and meaning through mindset and actions, while institutions shape opportunity and security.

Philosophers and thinkers stress inner habits. Aristotle argued that character and choices determine happiness. Osho highlighted inward states over possessions. Practical steps include gratitude, reasonable aims, ethical effort, and a growth mindset.

Simple rules that endure

Family teachings can guide daily conduct. Three simple rules passed down in one household were: always tell the truth, respect elders, and follow rules. A parent’s advice also urged living within means and not coveting others’ belongings. Such principles support long-term contentment and social respect.

Setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound—helps individuals make steady progress. Honest conduct and integrity may be demanding, but they often yield durable returns in wellbeing.

This piece appears on Filmogaz.com. The author is a recipient of the Sena Medal and practices as a life coach.