Mizoram 'happiest' state says 'India Happiness Report 2020'; Maharashtra & Delhi at bottom

New Delhi: The first all India Happiness Report covering all states and Union Territories measuring happiness across the country, which contributes to people's happiness, the impact of COVID-19 on happiness, and insights from thought leaders.

Overall, states from the Northeast Indian region have fared well in the survey, and Mizoram has topped in the happiness rankings among all; the states and union territories in the country. Mizoram, Punjab, Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands are the top three in the list of states/union territories.

Among smaller states, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh -- all from the Northeast -- are the top three states in happiness rankings. Among the big states, Punjab, Gujarat, and Telangana are among the top three states. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep are the top three union territories in the happiness rankings.

Professor Rajesh K Pillania compiled the report based on a nationwide survey covering 16,950 people between March and July of 2020. Pillania is recognized for his extensive research, and is ranked number one in average research productivity among management faculty in India between 1968-2014.

The results of the survey that show marital status, age group, education, and income level are overall positively related to happiness and married people are happier than unmarried people.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana have shown the worst possible impact of COVID-19 on happiness, whereas Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir are neutral. The states of Manipur, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep have shown the best possible impact of COVID-19 on happiness.

It is pertinent to mention here that Dr. Ahley Whillans, Assistant Professor of the Harvard Business School, who is a leading scholar in the time, money, and happines field, states that prioritize time over money, report greater well-being.

On the other hand, Dr. Emma Seppala, Science Director, Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, and Co-Director Wellness, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, said that kind and compassionate people are the happiest and most fulfilled.

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