Answer:

Introduction

Happiness is the profound fulfilment derived from living a virtuous, morally upright life with a deep sense of satisfaction. India ranks 126th out of 136 countries in the World Happiness Report 2023, indicating that it is one of the least happy nations globally.

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Reasons behind low rankings in India’s World Happiness Index 

• Economic inequality: With a large proportion of the population living in poverty while a small elite enjoy immense wealth. According to recent Oxfam data, India’s richest 1% own more than 40% of total wealth.
• Gender discrimination: With women often experiencing discrimination and limited access to education, employment opportunities, and decision-making roles. Global Gender Gap (GGG) Index for 2022 by WEF ranked India at 135 out of 146 countries.
  
• Social divisions and discrimination: India’s society is characterized by various divisions, including caste, religion, and ethnicity, leading to discrimination, social exclusion, and marginalization of certain groups.
• Growing mental health issues: The National Mental Health Survey found that around 150 million Indians needed active mental health interventions, but the country lacked the necessary resources.
• Environmental degradation: India faces significant environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Such degradation impacts the overall well- being and quality of life of its citizens.
• Governance issues and corruption: Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder equitable access to resources and services, erode trust in institutions, and undermine overall happiness. India ranks 85 in corruption perception index 2021.
• Communal and religious tensions: Instances of communal violence and religious conflicts like Delhi violence (2020), Manipur violence etc affect social harmony, posing significant challenges to the nation’s happiness and well-being.

EI can be a major factor in enhancing happiness level among Indians by strengthening

• Empathy and understanding: By cultivating empathy, individuals can better understand the struggles faced by marginalized communities, leading to collective efforts to address social inequality and upliftment.
• Effective communication: It enhances communication skills, promoting healthier and more meaningful interactions. A couple who possess EI can communicate their needs and concerns effectively, fostering a deeper marital satisfaction.
• Conflict resolution: It equips individuals with the ability to manage conflicts constructively. Resolving conflicts peacefully through dialogue and compromise can enhance happiness within families, communities, and workplaces.
• Authenticity and integrity: It encourages individuals to be true to themselves and act with integrity. A person who upholds honesty and transparency in their professional and personal relationships derives a sense of happiness.
• Emotional support: It fosters a culture of support and compassion. A friend who provides emotional support to someone experiencing a difficult time can significantly improve their happiness.
• Self-compassion: It emphasizes self-compassion, allowing individuals to treat themselves with kindness and understanding. Such a person experiences greater happiness and well-being, even in the face of personal setbacks.
• Social connection: Indians with high EI are more likely to build and maintain fulfilling relationships, contributing to their happiness. For instance, participating in community activities or volunteering can create a sense of belonging and fulfilment.

Conclusion

Going ahead, to promote happiness among Indians, policy measures like integrating emotional intelligence education in schools, providing training and resources for emotional well-being in workplaces, and implementing community-based programs that enhance emotional resilience and empathy skills are needed.