The International Day of Happiness is celebrated every year on March 20. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2012. The Assembly Resolution was to recognize that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental goal of humans. The aim to proclaim the day was that through education, activities, and public awareness; regional, national, and international organizations as well as non-government organizations and the civil society as a whole work towards the goal of happiness.

International Day of Happiness - History

The idea got proposed by United Nation's advisor in the year 2011. The General Assembly of United Nations agreed and officially founded the day acknowledging the fact that the most desirable aspect for all human beings irrespective of nationality is nothing but happiness. With the observance of this day, we need to understand as a nation that we are not at a high position in happiness quotient and hence happiness should be a part of our public policy.

World Happiness Report - Overview

The World Happiness Report gets released each year by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report is prepared based on Gallup World Poll. People of different nations are asked to vote on three valuable quotients - Positive Emotions, Negative Emotions, and Evaluations of Life in general. Factors like life expectancy, perceptions related to corruption, social support, GDP, freedom of choice, etc. are also part of the survey. This year's report recognized the impact of Covid-19 on the overall global happiness levels. Despite the toll, Finland managed to be the first rank holder of happiness for the fourth consecutive year.

What Can We Do - Action Points

While the governing bodies should closely observe the report and take initiatives to increase happytalism of our country, the nation as a whole should cherish happiness even more. We all have the power to spread positivity not only in our lives but also in the lives of others. As a nation, we should prioritize happiness and this should begin from the national and state governments’ levels but should zero down to individual levels as well. We as a nation are avid social media users. Apart from friendly interpersonal interactions, we need to use the social media platforms constructively to spread happiness. What we need to add is a more compassionate quotient to our relationships with our family members, peers, co-workers, and neighbours.

Also, instead of feeling unhappy about the fact that we are not high in rank in the World Happiness Report, we should take simple steps towards increased happiness by appreciating what we have, instead of complaining what we could have had. We need to inculcate in us the habit of staying happy and showing our contentment with every day that comes by. There are many things to be grateful about in life provided we fall in the habit of being grateful, appreciative, contented, and happy by nature.