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Indians happier than Americans and British
By SiliconIndia   |   Monday, 03 August 2009, 19:19 Hrs   |    59 Comments
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Indians happier than Americans and British
Bangalore: According to a survey conducted, India is way far ahead of many developed countries such as U.S. and U.K in terms of happy lives and eco friendliness. Amongst the 143 nations, India was ranked at 35th while U.S. and U.K are ranked at 114th and 74th spot respectively. The survey also noted that "the countries that are meant to represent successful development are some of the worst-performing in terms of sustainable well-being. The index provides a measure of the ecological efficiency with which happy and healthy lives are supported."

The survey, 'Happy Planet Index (HPI)' was conducted by UK-based New Economics Foundation. The index is based on high life expectancy, high life satisfaction and ecological footprint. According to the report, ecological footprint of a person is a measure of the amount of land required to provide for all the resource requirements for that person, plus the amount of vegetated land required to absorb his CO2 emissions and the CO2 emissions embodied in the products he consumes.

The report has ranked Costa Rica at the top of the list. Amongst the other BRIC nations, Brazil and China are ranked at ninth and 20th places respectively while Russia is ranked at 108th. The survey has covered around 99 percent of the world's population. The survey also noted that there is actually a negative connection between GDP growth and change in HPI scores between 1990 and 2005.

"In an age of uncertainty, society globally needs a new compass to set it on a path of real progress. The Happy Planet Index (HPI) provides that compass by measuring what truly matters to us - our well-being in terms of long, happy and meaningful lives - and what matters to the planet - our rate of resource consumption," the report further added.

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Reader's comments(59)
1: yes india does have its own share of problems.. but i recently went to india and now that i am back.. i terribly miss india... i would say that i was really really happy in india..! more than i am now ... sigh... i miss india..
Posted by:Angelee - 05 Aug, 2009
2:
But I do see a certain level of hypocrisy among Indians and the idea they have abt those of us in US and Canada. Madhuri Dixit danced in Bollywood to entertain Resident Indians (RIs) and NRIs but when she had to marry she married an NRI or PIO Doctor in New York. Similarly Rakhi Sawant swayed her body in Bollywood for RIs and NRIs but when she had to marry she picked an NRI in Canada. Too bad neither picked a happy RI, huh? But apart from these insults we are exchanging you are missing the point about why you are happy or unhappy. You might be happy in India because you get to see your parents, your siblings and your cousins/uncles/aunties. But that alone may not define happiness for everyone neither does that define happiness alone. I have taken other factors into account like infrastructure.
Sachin Replied to: Angelee - 05 Aug, 2009
3:
I agree with you Sachin, Its true every one miss India who is NRI, If we got to India on a trip, the atraction is on us and every one will be kind. If you stay there more than a month then you will see the reality. No one care unless untile you show them money.
Every one wants money without any work. People are always looking for shortcurt to make money there
89gd27 Replied to: Sachin - 06 Aug, 2009
4: Hey Ankit and others - you stole a line from Rang De Basanti. Typical Indian - copy and paste. Just kidding - but do me a favor when Pakistani terrorists attack you dont complain to United States, United Kingdom, United Nations, United Airlines or United Healthcare. Fight your own battles. Not for nothing are we knowns as cowardly Hindus. Thats what I think when I am using a commode in a midwest suburb.
Posted by:Sachin - 05 Aug, 2009
5:
That is what my 100 million dolor question. There is always an attack in India they complaint to US,,,,etc...
the never work on their own. I am not sure. Indian congress government is clueless
jvrqrx Replied to: Sachin - 06 Aug, 2009
6:
I bet everytime there is a bomb blast in Delhi, Hyd or Mumbai or there is a terrorist attack you think: Thank God it wasnt me or my family. We are alive and therefore we are very happy!
Sachin Replied to: Sachin - 05 Aug, 2009
7: How Sneha ? Breaking rules, Everyone citizens of india is selfish and they look after themself. Vote for money. More than all they are unpatriotic.
Posted by:jkawza - 05 Aug, 2009
8: All these are vague. How the people in India can be overall happier than people in US & UK. All these are theoretical result not real. These results are based on certain parameters, which are not at all the parameters for the happiness of people living. When people are living, you can collect some data related our lives and produce such result. After a century also this result will remain same. In a country where more than 40% people are illiterate, living on a dollar-a-day, living without electricity, living without drinking water, living without sanitation, solely relying on monsoon for harvesting crops and victim of corrupt politics, DO YOU AGREE WITH THE RESULT OF THE SURVEY!
Posted by:Firoz Mallick - 04 Aug, 2009
9:
Can you define happiness please.
Yes we have the problems with poverty, education,disease etc..,
but still we have people we can talk to, not just friends and family.
I am not trying to tell you we are totally happy,always smiling, laughing but yes we are happy because of the atmosphere we live in.
A sense of being taken care of.
M.Sneha Menon Replied to: Firoz Mallick - 05 Aug, 2009
10: arre bhai india me log azaad hue hai isliye azaadi mana rahe hai aur jo bhi slum and garibi hai vo uska result hai. vo dusri baat hai ke koi kisi ke baare me nahi sochta aur goverment bhi nahi sochti. aur dusri baat azadi ke kaaran logo me race chal rahi hai.aur isliye her kisi ke paas uske marks hai jo ussne apne banaye hai aur vo usse pata bhi hai ki is compidition mei uski position kiya hai aur agge badne ke liye kitno ko piche pachadna padega gulamo se battar jindgi jine ke bavjood her ek azaad hai. koi rules and regulation nahi rok sakta agar dimag acchi tarah se chalaya jaay. ye sab kuch forigen mei nahi ho sakta vaha azzad hoke bhi rules aur regulation ke niche machine ki tarah chalna padta hai. to bhai india me kuch bhi ho per ham to happy hai. bharat aswani
Posted by:bharat aswani - 04 Aug, 2009
11: SI has been on this path of "Indians better" for the past 2-3 editions, they had this "Amercians want to drive Indian Cars" now they have Indians are happier than Americans". How about Indians are not as happy as Chinese or Brazilians...these survey are generic, happiness is a subjective trait. Agreed India is doing well, developing faster compared to other economies, SI can tone down on it's "India the best" rhetoric.
Posted by:VBhalla - 04 Aug, 2009
12: I wonder if part of the reason why India is happier than the British and the Americans, is because we have more sexual freedoms than they do? They are so repressed, but we can make choices as to who we love and who we have sex with, choices that are unavailable to them. Further, they are so guilty about it, and we are so innocent about it.
Posted by:Annie Wilson - 04 Aug, 2009
13:
Annie, it would be better if you could have a balanced approach.....too much of anything, be it freedom or repression is not good. I guess there is unhappiness in both nations because of these extreme forms.

Also, it is bad to think only sexual freedom can lead to happiness. After a certain point you will realise that there is much more to life than sexuality, and happiness cannot be equated with just its freedom. Very simple things in life can make you happy and probably this is where India fared better. I hope you find that kind of happiness too some day.
Tumpa Replied to: Annie Wilson - 05 Aug, 2009
14:
mornging Annie Wilson....

this is further to your comment about this subject.let me tell you we are not talking about sexuality.This subject matter about happy lives and eco friendship what indian really crazy about.indians are very much cared about elders(parents),their traditions,culture and ofcourse abroad citizens.This is we ANNIE.Dont understand me wrong ANNIE, i can understand your intentions(jeolousy).
This is truth and u too accept that we are multicultural,multilanguages,multitradition and etc but still very are happy.This matter is not an indian saying this ur peoples saying ANNIE for ur kind information.
regards
Faisal...............ANNIE
faisal Replied to: Annie Wilson - 04 Aug, 2009
15:
Wouldn't that make them unhappier? Tell a lot of what you think the British and Americans are? Of course which is again not true.
Looking through your biased and constrained vision, you could barely see anything beautiful or joyous.
Angel Replied to: Annie Wilson - 04 Aug, 2009
16: Our basic culture has taught us to be happy in several forms, the challenge is to keep it that way while we imorve the lot of masses in our country.
Posted by:sunil - 04 Aug, 2009
17: Happiness is a psychological thing and has nothing to do with the glitters of financial aspects. Eventhough Indians might not have much of development, the aspects that make them happy might be their sense of togetherness and simplicity.
Posted by:Abdur Mohammed - 04 Aug, 2009
18: Totally irresponsible editing of SI and irresponsible news service. This is total BS.
Posted by:ithin - 04 Aug, 2009
19:
agreed with ithin
shubh Replied to: ithin - 04 Aug, 2009
20:
It depends on coverage of survey because survey has its own limitation too.
Ashok Replied to: ithin - 04 Aug, 2009
21: Some are happy to be unhappy and others are unhappy to be happy. So where are we.

Simply put, plain BS.
Posted by:Mohandas - 04 Aug, 2009
22:
Absolutely. Typical SI overdosing. This is a mania we Indians are used to. False pride of a nation which have no plan for development.

Everything is given to God and do nothing. No visionary leaders, no self esteem. Then when something small happens, we make it a festival.
Ithin Replied to: Mohandas - 04 Aug, 2009
23:
totaly agreeing with ithin
Joby M.P Replied to: Ithin - 04 Aug, 2009
24: I think SI interviewed Rakhi Sawant and her stupid dick-brained Indian fans and they all said they were happy. Recently I went to Indian THREE times last yr to my native Bhubaneswar and also to Nagpur, Kolkatta and HYD. Guess what - the only thing "happy" was the food - of course authentic Indian food and all other choices that exist in India now i.e Pizza Hut and KFC made me happy but I could not wait to get out and come back to the US owing to shit and piss all over the streets, electricity going down every minute and when the power is up the internet is down. Eww! internet is terrible in India! If you are leading a life living in an ashram wearing a dhoti then I guess you are very happy in India if that is the yardstick to measure your happiness.
Posted by:Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
25:
Making something come to life that you have envisioned - whether a painting, a wonderful meal, a dress, an invention, a business plan - is infinitely satisfying.
And you'll feel pleasure every time you think of it.
If you want to be happy, get active - at work, within the family and the community.
You will feel happier when you're participating in an activity, whether it's just playing with a child or helping organize a worthwhile event.

Try to make yourself happy first and see our india, one of the happiest country in the world comparing in all aspects.

Jai Hind.

Sushanta
sushanta Replied to: Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
26:
better you live in US....

U love indian food but u hate the Indian hand and Masala...

so stop eating indian food too.. live your whole life on KFC or Pizza...

eventhough i m not in country but i miss my india...i miss my culture...
and if you cant respect India atleast please dont disrespect too.

Jai Hind...
Anurag
Anurag Replied to: Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
27:
maybe it is because unhappy people like you are not there thats why india got a higer priority .. happiness not restricted to infrastructure ..
Santosh Replied to: Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
28:
Love and affection is in India but not in America.
It is hard to define happiness but I know Indians are
happy than Canadian/Americans because there is no belongingness in those countries. Parents do not find love from children there. Daughters always talk about moms and they do not know who is their father. Sometimes children do not meet their parents for months and spouses do not meet each other due to day/night shifts. Doctors are driving taxies there or doing security jobs. What the hell is these countries for Indian educated class ? Only IT sector is good and mushrooming in America.
Ashok Replied to: Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
29:
What a bulshit concept of "Indian Culture" which is Superior....I studied in an Indian School..Lived and worked in Delhi....I saw more devorces..childeren miss behaving with their Parents...School going girls having more and more SEX...India needs to do more to Portray as a Success full nation...Like Cleanlyness...Laws that protect the Environment from Public Litter.....I travelled a lot in the world Ithink there is more civilization in other countries..Indian have forgoten Cililization...Money making is supirior for them and nothing else Matters....Consideration for living beings which has always been in our culture...but is anly preached not Practiced....
Ashish Replied to: Ashok - 04 Aug, 2009
30:
I think its people like you who turn India into what you think its turned into. We really can do without you: sitting on a commode in a suburb in midwest, driving a japanese car and shrugging 'is desh ka kuchh nahin ho sakta'... for a change, pls use this line " Koi bhidesh perfect nahin hota. usey perfect banana padta hai"
Ankit Chandra Replied to: Sachin - 04 Aug, 2009
31:
I can bet that if you get an oppertunity to get a commode in a suburb in midwest, and get a Japanese car..you will also Buzzz offf....
Ashish Replied to: Ankit Chandra - 04 Aug, 2009
32:
Very right Ankit...
anurag Replied to: Ankit Chandra - 04 Aug, 2009
33:
wright Ankit...people got talent from our country and they abuse their own country....we no longer need such people.Such people are still illiterate even they r in US
Rashi Replied to: Ankit Chandra - 04 Aug, 2009
34: Reading at the article and some of the comments below, I feel the survey has been done by and taking a sample population of a few cities. For India and china especially the when a huge population doesn't have enough resources to have two square meals a day how can we even think of it better than some of the developed countries. Yes it might be that people with jobs in good corporation might be better off but than can't be deemed as a general trend for the country.
Posted by:Mayank Sahay - 04 Aug, 2009
35: I have never stopped being amazed by India and all it's endeavors. Since I first came to in 1977 to my last visit a few years ago, Indians have always been the most polished users of life that I know. My portfolio called Holy Cow a Portrait of India from an udderly different perspepctive shows all is alive and well. Best wishes my second home.
Posted by:Algis Kemezys - 04 Aug, 2009
36: I have just returned from Bangalore, shocked and feeling sad. To tell you frankly, I could not wait to get out. The traffic is bad, people claim to be happy but I do not think any one is. It takes ages to go anywhere, people are rude and angry, and do not respect pedestrians. It is surprising to see young healthy adults behaving badly. Children and adults defecate and urinate on the footpath and the sanitation is poor with open drainage stinking. Even hospitals have toilets with no place to wash their hands.

People think Swine flu is a western disease and do not think they have to worry about antibiotic resistant bacterial infection.

This town used to be the clean and green but not any more. Influx of immigrants and beggars from all over India has made this place over crowded and dirty.
Even if God appears in this town, I am sure he will not know where to start.
Posted by:Dr Sri - 04 Aug, 2009
37:
"Happiness is a state of mind". With all the wealth and welfare and cleanliness, people are most unhappy and depressed. The western world is a living example of this. Whenever I visit Bangalore and my home town, I come back feeling great with the love and affection everyone shows me, my family and friends. I have lived away from India since past 30 years but I love going back as I do feel happy and find people spreading happiness with less material things.
Results of such surveys should make us feel proud!
Vijaya Replied to: Dr Sri - 04 Aug, 2009
38:
People like you are in a mode of denial. Obviously, you have your own psychological issues, due to which you become happy to be around your loved ones. But, that got nothing to do with the life of people living in India. A major percentage of population still struggles to have 3 times food. It is disgusting to compare life in India with developed nations. Why do you live in a foreign country in first place?
Raj Replied to: Vijaya - 04 Aug, 2009
39:
I am dearly sorry to hear this, I saw Bangalore in 1977 and many times since but this is a sad thing to have heard.
algis Kemezys Replied to: Dr Sri - 04 Aug, 2009
40: Happiness is completely relative...despite half the million population lacking basic amenities and food the people in India have the attitude to remain content and happy...If money and basic amenities could buy one happiness then I guess India would be last but sadly its not so...this article just proves that fact...
Posted by:guest - 04 Aug, 2009
41: This survey is just absurd. How come a nation with more than half the population starving, millions of children being thrown into the streets, millions of girls had to take up or being coerced into prostitution for bread nearly half the poluation is illiterate be happy compared to wealthy nations like UK and US. Yes this kind of fake surveys deflect people from real issues and give a false pride for Indian elite who are otherwise being ignored worldwide.
Posted by:Jay - 04 Aug, 2009
42:
But prostitution is legal in western countries. Recently high profile defence minister resigned you know ?
In developed countries discrimination is there against Indians. People have stressful life. If you are well settled in India then no need to go abroad. Poverty is every country including America/Canada. I have seen beautiful and educated girls asking for a penny to do smoking. It is all due to bad goverance in India.
Ashok Replied to: Jay - 04 Aug, 2009
43:
I think this Guy is one of those NUM SKULLS. HAHAHA. I dont quit get what he is saying. If you are well settled.? in India then you dont need to go aborad.? But thats the Point. NUM Skull , in Forigen countries peope get govt assistence if they are not well settled. so there is no poverty. thats wy people dont die of hunger. Num Skulls like you dont think of the poor kid on the street People like you think only of "WELL SETTLED" People.
Ashish Replied to: Ashok - 04 Aug, 2009
44:
Bad governance and corruption have been there in India for the last 50 years, because people like you accept and encourage.
Raj Replied to: Ashok - 04 Aug, 2009
45: Its ok if the survey is found to be correct that indians are happy but i dnt thik so AS in news paper last week ago i read that nearly 10laks village of our country lacks basic amminities and in the picture i saw that a woman was being carried on the coat for treatment to a hospital which was nearly 40 kms away with no transport facility available...........


Hope that everything goes well and in the fovour of our country...........
Posted by:Md Tarique alam - 04 Aug, 2009
46: what a crappy story!
Silicon India is reaching the height of publishing fake articles and readers are happy to read as long as the article has the words 'India' or 'Indians'.
Dear SI editor, Try to give the source of the survey next time.
Posted by:kumar - 04 Aug, 2009
47:
I WONDER U GUYS BEING A COMPUTER LITERATE REQUESTING FOR SOURECE OF THE ARTICLE....PLS TYPE 'Happy Planet Index (HPI)IN UR GOOGLE SEARCH .....THERE U CAN FIND THE NEWS UR READING IS FAKE OR REAL...WHAT THE SI EDITOR SAYS IS TRUE...FOR ALL THOSE WHO INSULT INDIA REGARDING HAPPYNESS ..I WOULD LIKE TO SAY
"LIVING IN HELL WITH PARENTS, FREINDS AND RELATIVES IS FAR BETTER THAN LIVING ALONE IN HEAVEN"
JEGAN Replied to: kumar - 04 Aug, 2009
48: Sad to see indians commenting about themselves and their country.... so sad......
Posted by:kevin - 04 Aug, 2009
49: I agree with all the comments so far --happiness is a state of mind -AND IT IS PRETTY DIFFICULT TO JUDGE OR SAY FOR SURE AS TO WHETHER ONE IS REALLY HAPPY OR WHAT MAKES ONE REALLY HAPPY. MOREOVER,MOST MIDDLE CLASS INDIANS ARE HYPOCRITES WHEN IT COMES TO RESPONDING TO OTHER`S QUERIES ON SUCH MATTERS AND SIMPLY BLUFF OR COVER UP WITH JUSTIFICATIONS --WHICH DOES NOT MAKE ANY MEANINGFUL CONCLUSION ABOUT THEM.
Posted by:RAJ VAIDYA - 04 Aug, 2009
50: It's a non sense....Happiness is not about searching for, it's a thing to be achieved..and how can anyone judge the people through questionnaire/survey.eg:if you are not so happy and if someone ask "how r u?" it's almost sure that you will say fine...so is it correct?
Posted by:Khateee - 04 Aug, 2009
51:
Try asking a Poor Child in a Slum with no Cloths...I bet you will not ask. you would KNOW.
Ashish Replied to: Khateee - 04 Aug, 2009
52:
Well well, I see someone getting personal. The survey is always generalized my friend. If the organization goes on personifying everything, they will go crazy. The survey is absolutely correct.

I am not refering to any survey and answering the question. My name is Mihir Vankani and I am located in Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE. I work here is a bank known as First Gulf Bank. Prior to this, I was working with Holiday Concepts in Melbourne, Australia. I have been to many countries like UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and many more and I have seen lives of the people over here. I have seen their struggle in relationships, I have seen people sitting on the roads, smoking and crying alone because their parents are fighting in the house. I have seen a 14 year old kid taking drugs in foreign countries.

I am very sure that when you talk about drugs, you get ample of it in India but not to this extent. From day to day life and to a career, India has always been performing. That is also a fact that the Indian government has never respected talent personalities so you see many Indians migrating to developed countries.

But if you go to different parts of the world, you will see a difference in people's attitudes.

I hope that you understand....

Mihir Vankani
Mihir Vankani Replied to: Khateee - 04 Aug, 2009
53:
Happiness depends on culture as well, in west people are materialistically satisfied, for them search for happiness lies in eastern values, spirituality, simple living etc. while in India a large population is still struggling for a decent material needs, there is extreme competition in every sphere of life, happiness here lies in achieving those aspects where struggle is involved. But things are of course changing, and by the time the gap between rich and poor minimizes, probably we will have different definition for what keeps us happy. derived conclusion: what makes you happy is culturally dependent, there is no common measure for happiness, it is a state of mind! and may vary with time. Survey like this are interesting to but not realistic about reflection happiness of the society.
Danish Replied to: Khateee - 04 Aug, 2009
54:
Happy- What it is? It is not materialistic, It doesn't depend on outside world, It's purely depend on inside of mind and thought. So happiness doesn't belong to Indian,US,Uk.....Happiness belongs to all living being.Everyone will become happy in different way and different situation.It's not measurable by any survey. Is it possible for you anyone(Indians,US,Uk....) to say i am happy in my whole lifetime?
Suresh Replied to: Danish - 04 Aug, 2009
55: People always look for new issues, but it is usefull for no one. still the media ppl want to make some noise.
Posted by:kumar - 03 Aug, 2009
56: I dont understand how a survey can predict this. But its is a very interesting survey.
Posted by:Kunal - 03 Aug, 2009
57:
country development is not important, how people being happy. Happyness gives energy to us...any way it is a good survey!.
Hari Replied to: Kunal - 03 Aug, 2009
58:
This website doesn't find any better articles to post, rather than some bs and stupid quotes, eco friendly my a s s
Nickil Replied to: Hari - 11 Aug, 2009
59: This article is b u l l s h i t. I think they should add this also if they want: India is the richest country, India has the least crime(because some indians beleive there are more r a p e s in U.S. than in india) blah blah...
Posted by:sonia - 21 Dec, 2009
Beautiful and dress selection, please go to Dresses
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