India way behind in happiness ranking, says Pranab Mukherjee, calls for holistic approach to development

Kolkata: Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said despite the country having high GDP growth and being among the top economic powers, it is “way behind” in the overall happiness ranking. [caption id=“attachment_4833831” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of former president Pranab Mukherjee. PTI[/caption] India occupies the 133rd place (according to a world survey) in overall happiness ranking in 2018, Mukherjee said. He said this was so in spite of the impressive GDP numbers, high average life expectancy, which went up from 31.4 years (in four years after Independence) to 68 years at present, and a quantum jump in food grain production since 1947. “This indicates the lack of a holistic approach towards development. The quest for happiness is closely tied with the quest for sustainable development — a culmination for humanity’s well-being, social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” Mukherjee said at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event. He said there should be focus on social welfare and mental well-being of people, along with thrust on economic development. The former president also said economic activity should not be limited to profit-making alone, but “one has to consider about the planet and people for laying a strong foundation of industrial development and growth”.