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Original Essay of a Candidate Edited to Perfection-Ver:2.0
There is no Path to Happiness; Happiness is the Path.
In a small town lived two children named Shyam and Gokul, both known as the brightest students in their
school. Shyam came from one of the wealthiest families, while Gokul’s background was humble. Despite
their different circumstances, they became close friends, sharing thoughts, values, and dreams openly. They
bonded over their curiosity about life and the pursuit of happiness, sparking frequent conversations on what
it truly meant to live a fulfilling, happy life.

As friends, they often discussed their views on life and happiness. Shyam frequently complained about the
things he did not have, convinced that acquiring more wealth, recognition, and status would make him
happier. He believed that happiness was about accumulating what he lacked, following a linear path toward
a “destination” where he would finally be content. In contrast, Gokul had an optimistic outlook and a
positive, accepting attitude, content with whatever he had. When Shyam asked him how he managed to be
so happy, Gokul simply replied that he enjoyed every moment, finding joy in the little things. He believed
that happiness was not a goal to reach but something to experience throughout life.

This story contrasts two perspectives: Shyam's materialistic pursuit of happiness and Gokul’s intrinsic
satisfaction. Their views reflect broader human attitudes toward happiness and contentment, suggesting
that happiness is indeed the path itself, rather than a distant goal to be attained. The following discussion
explores the meaning of happiness, the obstacles that hinder it, and practical, philosophical ways to cultivate
happiness in our lives.

Understanding Happiness

Happiness can be defined as the contentment of the soul, a state of fulfillment that radiates from within.
Unlike pleasure, which provides fleeting gratification for the body, happiness is deeper, subjective, and
varies from person to person. Factors such as time, place, personality, and individual outlook shape our
experiences of happiness. Some philosophers, like Aristotle, define happiness as “eudaimonia” or human
flourishing, where true happiness stems from achieving one’s potential and living a meaningful life. This
highlights that happiness is multi-dimensional, influenced by personal, social, and even cultural aspects
that enrich or limit it.

Moreover, the understanding of happiness shifts throughout different life stages. For instance, as children,
we find joy in simple pleasures like playing a favorite game or spending time with family. In adolescence,
happiness might be associated with academic success, friendships, and self-discovery. As adults, many
believe that achieving a high-paying job, buying a dream house, or marrying the right person is essential
for happiness. In familial or community contexts, happiness often aligns with individual achievements,
reinforcing a reliance on external factors rather than embracing happiness as an enduring, internal state.
This variability emphasizes the importance of recognizing happiness not as a fixed concept but as a path
interwoven with life’s ongoing experiences.

Happiness and Society

A nation’s overall happiness is a reflection of the happiness and well-being of its citizens, marking the role
of societal structures in shaping collective contentment. Governments play a critical role by ensuring a
decent standard of living, addressing basic needs like employment, education, and healthcare.
Socioeconomic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and hunger often undermine people’s happiness,
highlighting the need for proactive governance to create an environment where individuals can flourish. To
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foster happiness, it’s essential to address these structural issues so that everyone has a fair chance at a
fulfilling life.

In many cases, societal pressures shift the focus from the journey to the outcome. For example, in India’s
educational hubs, student deaths due to stress-related issues highlight the tragic consequences of a result-
oriented mindset. Students, focused solely on prestigious careers, often forget the noble purpose behind
their goals, such as helping others as doctors or contributing to society as change-makers. Similarly,
working professionals may lose sight of personal joy and well-being due to high-pressure targets, indicating
a societal trend towards materialistic pursuits that view happiness as a reward after achieving certain
milestones.

A healthier approach, one that encourages people to find happiness along the way, could significantly
reduce mental health challenges like anxiety, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Concepts like “Gross National
Happiness,” pioneered by Bhutan, reflect the potential of alternative models that prioritize well-being and
balance over mere economic growth.

The Pursuit of Happiness as a Path

Some individuals recognize that life’s purpose goes beyond material gain and seek joy in the journey rather
than in destinations. They understand that happiness is indeed a path, not a far-off achievement. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers tirelessly cared for patients without dwelling on outcomes,
embodying happiness in selfless service. Similarly, freedom fighters like Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh
found joy in their unwavering struggle for independence rather than waiting for the final victory. Their
happiness stemmed from a deep sense of purpose and contribution to a greater cause, underscoring the idea
that happiness can be cultivated in one’s commitment to something meaningful.

In spiritual traditions worldwide, happiness is often equated with peace, acceptance, and gratitude. The
Bhagavad Gita emphasizes “Nishkama Karma,” or selfless action without attachment to outcomes,
encouraging a mindset that finds contentment in each step, regardless of the destination. This philosophy,
prevalent in many ancient texts, encourages individuals to appreciate the process and to find happiness in
every experience, highlighting that true happiness lies in a harmonious way of living rather than an idealized
future.

Challenges Arising from Unhappiness

Unhappiness, or the relentless pursuit of material satisfaction, can lead to various personal and social issues.
A result-oriented mindset often leaves people disillusioned when their expectations are unmet, leading some
to make poor choices like substance abuse or, tragically, even suicide. This is particularly visible among
individuals who turn to drugs or alcohol, seeking temporary escape from inner dissatisfaction. Unaddressed
mental health issues and societal pressures add to these challenges, indicating the need for a shift in how
we perceive happiness.

The stresses of a materialistic lifestyle also take a toll on mental health, with many professionals facing
anxiety and burnout due to relentless work pressures. Globally, issues like wars, poverty, and displacement
further compromise happiness on a vast scale. According to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index,
approximately 14.96% of India’s population lives below the poverty line, struggling to meet basic needs
and, consequently, lacking happiness. The ongoing conflicts in West Asia, such as the recent Israel-Hamas
war, have caused unimaginable suffering and loss, affecting thousands of families and highlighting the
urgent need for peace to restore happiness.

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Cultivating Happiness Through Positive Actions

Despite these challenges, there are effective ways to cultivate happiness and maintain a balanced, fulfilling
life. A North African poet in her book Glimmers suggests that self-love and gratitude are essential to
cultivating inner happiness. Self-reflection, meditation, and mindfulness can significantly enhance one’s
awareness of happiness as a state rather than an end goal. Parents also play a pivotal role in teaching children
the true purpose of life and happiness, instilling values that prioritize mental well-being over material
success.

Educational initiatives like the “Happiness Curriculum” introduced by the Delhi government aim to foster
mental well-being and emotional intelligence in students, reinforcing the belief that happiness is cultivated
internally. Addressing structural issues like poverty and hunger is also crucial. Governments must focus on
delivering high-quality public services and ensuring fair resource distribution. Good governance can create
conditions that allow people to pursue happiness more freely, while the global community must work
toward peace through dialogue and diplomacy. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly stated,
“Solutions for today’s problems cannot be found on the battlefield.” Negotiations and international
cooperation are key to creating a world where happiness can flourish and grow.

"Embracing the Journey: Finding Lasting Happiness"

Ultimately, true happiness lies in embracing the journey rather than obsessing over the destination. The
Sanskrit saying Yad Bhavam, Tad Bhavati, meaning “You become what you believe,” beautifully
encapsulates this idea. Optimistic individuals find happiness in every experience, learning to appreciate the
process of life rather than fixating on outcomes. To be genuinely happy, we must shift our beliefs, adopt
positive thoughts, and engage in actions that align with our values and sense of purpose.

These small but meaningful changes in our approach can create a foundation for lasting happiness for
ourselves and future generations. Embracing happiness as a path not only transforms our individual lives
but contributes to a more compassionate, fulfilling world, where everyone is encouraged to cherish the
journey and experience happiness in every moment.

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