New Delhi:
Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed his concerned and said India is ‘way behind’ in the overall happiness ranking in spite of having high GDP growth and being one of the top economic powers.
According to a world survey, India ranks 133rd in the overall happiness ranking 2018, Mukherjee said.
The former president added that the ranking indicates a holistic approach towards development in spite of high average life expectancy rate (68 years at present) and a massive jump in foodgrain production since independence,
“This (poor happiness ranking) indicates lack of holistic approach towards development... Quest for happiness is closely tied with the quest for sustainable development - a culmination for human well being, social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” Mukherjee said at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event in Kolkata.
He suggested that there should be focus on mental well-being of people and social welfare, with the needed push on economic growth.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee also added economy should not revolve around profit making alone, but “one has to consider about the planet and people for laying a strong foundation of industrial development and growth”.
