Beyond GDP: in pursuit of measuring happiness

Everyone is trying to wring the last bit of wonder from life. The eternal question being that if we were a thousand times richer, would we be a thousand times happier?
The low ranking of rich nations like the United States, China and Japan on the world happiness index proves otherwise. Despite being the fourth- largest economy, India is not even among the top 100 happy nations. The debate surrounding GDP and the notorious 70-hour week, has sparked an essential conversation: Is national growth solely about monetary gains and GDP growth, or is it something deeper?
Beyond GDP explores various aspects of the debate between economic growth and life satisfaction. In this timely and thoughtful work, Alok Ranjan, a seasoned IAS officer, challenges the dominance of GDP as the main indicator of development and makes a compelling case for happiness and well-being as the real objectives of public policy. He demonstrates that while high GDP numbers reflect a robust economy, there is enough empirical evidence to show that the real wealth of a nation lies in the happiness of its people.

The author masterfully weaves together global frameworks such as human development index, sustainable development goals, world happiness reports and Bhutan’s gross national happiness index, while grounding the discussion firmly in the Indian context. He urges a re-evaluation of success, advocating policies that not only foster economic growth but enhancethe quality of life. After all, isn’t the end goal about having a more just and equitable society that is economically thriving and offering citizens a meaningful quality of life?