How to be happy in a sad country?

KABUL (SW): On the International Day of Happiness which is celebrated worldwide every March 20, many Afghans believe ragging insecurity is the main factor spreading fear, sorrow and hopelessness in the country.

To explore these reasons in details, Salam Watandar spoke to a number of Kabul residents. Hamid, a street vendor, said his days and nights are spent worrying about insecurity. He said fear for his life stays with him when he leaves home and until he returns. He said peace in the country would mean a world to him.

Sajjad, a shope-keeper, seemed relatively happy. He agreed with the views of the street vendor, Hamid, and added that whenever peace prevailed in Afghanistan, happiness would spread all over.

However, this remains a million dollar question should the citizen keep waiting in despair for peace, or can they keep themselves content in the prevailing situation?

Sharafuddin Azimi, a psychiatrist, said in this regard that the definition of happiness should be understood clearly. He said objects and comfort alone can never bring happiness. Highlighting importance of happiness in one’s life, Azimi stressed this relates more to the internal feelings of humans.

Meanwhile, Jawad Sulatni, a sociologist, argued that there are many factors behind Afghanistan’s lower status on the index of happy countries. He cited lawlessness, ragging war and illiteracy as the main reasons behind pessimism.

Top on the index among happiest countries is Finland followed by Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland. On the bottom are countries such as Burundi, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen.

ENDS