As we observe International Day of Happiness on March 20, it is imperative to reflect on what truly brings us joy in modern life. Every year, the World Happiness Report (WHR) publishes data on the list of happiest countries, and Finland has consistently ranked the happiest country among 143 countries for the seventh year running. The latest report puts Nepal at the 93rd place.
Khusbu Agrawal, psychologist at Happy Mind says, “Today, happiness is linked to material possessions, success, external validation, psychological well-being, relationships, and personal development where traditional methods emphasize the significance of leading a life that is in line with one’s values and contributing to something greater than oneself, which offers a sense of purpose that goes beyond transient joys.”
She explains, “The traditional concept of togetherness and the contemporary desire for social interaction are bridged when one participates in activities that promote connections with family and friends—such as sharing meals, playing games, or volunteering for community service—putting more emphasis on meaningful activities, connections, and experiences than on material belongings.”
According to Agrawal, fostering inner peace, developing a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, and spiritual practices like meditation and prayer can help an individual manage stress and anxiety.
Siddhi Laxmi Shrestha, a local from Bhaktapur, defines happiness as the well-being found in togetherness. “I am happy when my family is healthy and doing well,” she says. “There was a time when we used to find joy without money because we exchanged things with each other and had everything within our community. But now, people chase money, social media likes, and viral fame, which isn’t a good sign.”
For Shrestha, true happiness lies in appreciating what we have rather than dwelling on what we lack. Happiness, she says, is something one should feel at all times by embracing and appreciating what they have at present.
Aditya Dangol, counseling psychologist and mental health advocate, agrees with Shrestha. She says, “Community spaces where bonds can be created that help rekindle emotional conversations and exchange the playful side of human beings can grow a sense of belongingness and ultimately, happiness.”
Astik Poudel, a college student, finds happiness in helping those in need. He believes that life is a one-time opportunity, and true fulfillment comes from doing good deeds rather than chasing material possessions. “I am a very spiritual person and we have only one life where our soul resides, and we must make the most of it by doing meaningful things rather than being consumed by materialism,” he says.
Acknowledging the endless nature of human desires, Poudel emphasizes the importance of practicality and selflessness. “Materialistic life makes us crave for more, but true happiness comes when we focus on helping one another. That’s what brings real contentment within ourselves.”
Bishan Magar, who works as an inDriver, believes that financial stability is the key to happiness. For him, a good bank balance brings security and the ability to fulfill personal and family needs. “There are different aspects of happiness, but I will be happy when I have money because everyone has desires they want to fulfill, and only money can make that possible,” he says.
Magar acknowledges that happiness is subjective, but he sees wealth as a crucial factor in achieving a comfortable and fulfilling life. “If you have enough money, you can take care of yourself and your household, which ultimately brings peace of mind,” he adds.
Despite the struggles of modern life, there are individuals/organizations dedicated to spreading happiness. Poudel, who works for Divine Youth Club in Radhe Radhe feels happy when he is helping people who are in need. He says, “I feel lucky working in such a place where we help people in need and in return, receive lots of blessings and I think that is the means of happiness for me personally.”
Jiban Mani Poudel, an anthropologist, says, “People find happiness in different ways depending on their environment, age, and time. For example, we live in the city surrounded by gadgets and machines, which make our lives easier and more fulfilling. However, when we bring our grandparents here, they don’t quite feel the same. They long to return to the village because they find true happiness there, not in the city.”
Poudel says unlike in rural places, city people live close to each other, yet they seem distant and unfamiliar.
“Talking about today’s generation, every person seems to be occupied with their phones. They no longer feel the need to socialize in real life.”
Poudel emphasizes that people today own a lot of property and have the means to fulfil all their material desires, yet they are still not completely happy.
“Happiness is defined differently by different people and professions. As an anthropologist, we may define happiness in terms of material and cultural well-being. Psychologists, on the other hand, might define it as a state of good mental health, while doctors may see it as physical well-being. Each perspective offers a unique understanding of what it means to be truly happy,” he adds.
