A unique initiative by the Kerala government: an ‘Anandam’ (Happiness) Department will be established to ensure the well-being and happiness of the public. The concept of a ‘Gross National Happiness’ (GNH) index was first envisioned in 1972 by the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Now, this philosophy is being adopted in Kerala, where the state government plans to establish a ‘Happiness Department.’ Drawing inspiration from global models—where the ‘Happiness Index’ plays a pivotal role in measuring progress—the state government has completed all preparations for its implementation. ‘Attaining happiness in life is the ultimate goal of human beings’:
In this context, it has been suggested that a perspective is emerging globally—that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should not be the sole criterion for measuring a nation’s progress. Instead, the ‘Gross National Happiness Index’ should serve as the basis. Since attaining happiness in life is the ultimate human goal, it has been decided to establish a new department centered on this concept—one dedicated to happiness. This department will not merely focus on welfare schemes; rather, it will actively promote happiness and prosperity through various developmental initiatives. This department will encompass various components, including the establishment of a ‘Happiness Centre,’ and work is currently underway to set up this new wing.
This initiative has elicited mixed reactions from socio-political experts. According to Dinesan V., Director of the Department of Social Sciences at MG University, happiness cannot be brought into people’s lives merely through government paperwork; instead, the government should focus on the existing social structure. Political expert Sajjad Ibrahim has opined that such superficial initiatives will not have any significant impact on the general public.
