An Article by Dr. Likith Gowda N M
It was an evening on a university campus. The sun was slowly setting behind the tall buildings, and students were returning to their hostels after the classes. Among them a young student named Arjun. Like others, he had come to the city with dreams in his eyes and expectations on his shoulders. Arjun was always a smart student. He had scored good marks in school, he had cleared competitive exams, and earned admission to a reputed college. His parents were proud, his relatives admired him, and his social media profile was filled with smiling photos. To the outside world, Arjun looked like a successful and happy young man.But that evening, as he sat alone on a bench under a tree in the college campus, he felt something was different.For the first time, he quietly asked himself a question that many people today hesitate to voice—“If everything is going well then, why don’t I feel happy?”
Assignments were piling up him. Competition among classmates was truly intense. Every day he was seeing someone achieving something greater—internships, awards, newer opportunities. Social media constantly reminded him that others seemed to be living more exciting and successful lives. Slowly, the joy he once felt in learning and dreaming began to disappear. Happiness started to look like something that would only come later—after the each exam, ,achievement and milestone.
During that moment, an elderly campus gardener walked near him carrying a watering can. Seeing Arjun sitting silently, he smiled and asked, “Why so serious, my kid ?” Arjun hesitated for a moment but replied honestly, “I don’t know… everything looks fine, but I still feel unhappy sometimes.” The gardener sat beside him and said gently, “When I was too young, my grandfather used to tell me something simple—if your mind is always thinking the next thing, happiness will keep running away. But if your mind learns to be calm and grateful, happiness will quietly sit beside you.”
That one small conversation stayed in Arjun’s mind long after the gardener walked away. In many ways, Arjun’s story is not unique. It says the silent emotional struggle experienced by millions of young people across the world today. We live in a time of an unprecedented progress—technology connects people instantly opportunities are expanding, and knowledge is more accessible easily. Yet many individuals, especially young people, often feel stressed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted.
Recognizing this growing concern, the United Nations declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness in 2012. The idea behind this observance is simple yet powerful: true progress cannot be measured only through economic growth or technological advancement. “A society is truly successful only when its people feel happy, secure and fulfilled.” The importance of happiness has become a serious subject in global discussion. The annual World Happiness Report, supported by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, studies how factors such as social support, freedom, trust, health and community relationships contribute to the happiness of citizens in different countries. These studies reveal something interesting. Countries that focus only on economic development do not always have the happiest populations. Instead, societies that nurture strong communities, mental well-being, and social trust tend to have happier citizens.
At the same time, the global data reveals a worrying trend. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one billion people worldwide live with one are more form of mental health condition. Anxiety and depression have become increasingly more common, especially among young people. In individuals aged 15–29, suicide has unfortunately emerged as one of the leading causes of death. Nearly 19% of young adults globally have no close support , there is a 39 % increase since 2006 . Also nearly 1 billion people suffer from mental disorders. The recent global survey ( 2025) ranked 60th out of 84 countries among Indian youth ( 18-34) with a score ( MHQ:33) .The numbers remind us that happiness is not merely a pleasant feeling—it is closely connected to mental health and overall health of a young population.
In Bharat, this conversation is more important. India has one of the largest youth populations in the world. Nearly two out of every three Indians are below the age of 35. This means the country’s future will largely be shaped by the emotional and intellectual strength of its young generation. However, young Indians today face many psychological challenges. Academic competition begins in the early and continues through school and then to college. Entrance examinations ( JEE & NEET ) and career pressures often create environment where students are feeling that ,their single result can determine their entire career and growth.
In Genz’s the digital world has also transformed how young people perceive themselves. Social media platforms display many success stories, achievements, and curated lifestyles. While these platforms connect people, they also create unrealistic comparisons. Many young individuals begin to believe that they are falling behind others, even when they are doing well. Urban life adds another dimension. In the earlier generations, joint families and neighbourhood communities provides emotional support and guidance. Today, many young people get away from home for education or jobs, living far from family support systems. In the crowded cities, it is possible to be surrounded by thousands of people yet still people feel lonely.
One more challenge is the question of identity. Today’s youth are exposed to global ideas, cultures, and lifestyles through the internet and media. While this exposure can broaden perspectives, it sometimes creates confusion about personal values and cultural roots that they belong to. In the Bharat, which has a long and rich philosophical heritage, this question of identity is deeply significant.
Indian thought has always explored the nature of happiness in a profound way. Ancient texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads describe happiness not as momentary pleasure but as a deeper state of inner harmony. Ancient Indian wisdom warned against this imbalance. The Bhagavad Gita says:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana”
(You have control over your actions, not over the results) Indian philosophy speaks about four guiding principles of life—Dharma( ethical living) , Artha ( material prosperity), Kama (legitimate desires), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). These ideas remind us that while material success and personal desires are natural parts of life, they must be balanced with ethical living and spiritual lifestyle. This holistic understanding of life offers an important lesson for the current world. When happiness depends only on external achievements, it becomes fragile . But when happiness is supported by purpose, relationships, and inner balance, it becomes more stable and meaningful.
One of the most vital contributions of Indian culture to global well-being is the practice of Yoga. Originating in India thousands of years ago, yoga combines physical exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation to create harmony between body and mind. Today millions of people around the world practice yoga to reduce stress and improve mental health. For Indian youth, reconnecting with such cultural practices can provide psychological resilience. Cultural roots offer a sense of belonging and continuity that protects individuals from the identity confusion which could be caused by modernization.
However, cultural confidence should not mean ignoring modern knowledge or progress. The strength of Indian civilization has always been its ability to adapt, learn new ideas while preserving Indian core values.
A young person who understands both modern science and ancient wisdom is better equipped and adopt it in their life it would help them to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world. Creating a happier generation also requires lot of changes in society. Majorly educational institutions should not focus only on marks and rankings but also on emotional well-being and happiness’ of the younger generation. Students need spaces where they can openly discuss stress, failure, and personal struggles without the fear of judgment. Families play a crucial role. When parents listen patiently and encourage open communication, students feel supported even during their difficult times. Government institutions and healthcare systems must also strengthen mental health . Organizations like National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences are working toward improving mental health awareness and treatment in India, but much more awareness and accessibility are still needed and highly necessary for the current digital world.
Ultimately, happiness grows through small daily choices. Spending time with friends and family, engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, Yoga, Meditication, helping others, and pursuing meaningful goals can significantly improve overall well-being.
Yet happiness ultimately grows from within individuals. Young people must learn to cultivate habits that strengthen overall well-being—such as gratitude, physical activity, meditation, meaningful social relationships and health. When youth channel their energy toward constructive activities like social service, environmental protection, innovation, and cultural preservation, they experience a deeper sense of purpose.
A happy youth population can transform the future of Bharat. Emotionally balanced young citizens are more creative, more responsible, and more capable of building harmonious communities. They contribute not only to economic development but also to social unity and cultural continuity.
The International Day of Happiness therefore carries a profound message. It reminds societies that progress cannot be measured only through economic statistics or technological achievements. The true strength of a nation lies in the happiness, dignity, and well-being of its people.
If the youth of Bharat grow up with confidence in their cultural roots, compassion for others, and clarity of purpose, they will build a society where progress is not measured only by wealth or technology but also by human well-being. And perhaps, just like Arjun on that quiet campus evening, many young people will slowly discover that happiness was never far away—it was waiting patiently within them, ready to grow when life finds balance.
