In India, the most populated country in the world, people come from diverse regions, follow various religions, and speak many different languages. It is a nation where extreme wealth and deep poverty exist side by side—where some live in luxury while others struggle below the poverty line.
Today, we will focus on the life of a middle-class, average person living in India. We will explore the five different phases of challenges they face in their daily life from morning routines to financial struggles and the emotional burdens they carry.
One of the major issues people face early in the morning is irregular water supply. Sometimes the water is polluted, sometimes there's no flow at all. This is a serious concern, as clean water is a basic necessity for healthy living and survival.
Another common issue is frequent electricity cuts. For households without access to inverters or backup power, this becomes a serious problem—especially during summer heatwaves or while working from home. Power outages disrupt daily life, productivity, and comfort.
Commuting is another daily struggle. Overcrowded public transport systems buses and metros are often packed beyond capacity, making travel uncomfortable and even unsafe. The lack of space not only causes stress but also increases the risk of spreading illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. Even those who manage to buy a two-wheeler face problems due to severe traffic congestion, often caused by the large number of cars on the roads.
Poor sanitation facilities add to these challenges. Public places, especially transport hubs and tourist areas are frequently in unsanitary condition. Spitting of tobacco and littering make these spaces even more unhygienic. In slums and rural areas, the situation is worse due to a lack of proper sanitation and healthcare infrastructure, leading to serious health risks.
Employment issues are a major challenge for many people in India, even for those who have graduated from prestigious universities with high tuition fees. Many struggle to find jobs, and even if they do, they often experience job insecurity—a constant fear or worry that they might lose their position at any time.
Another common issue is underemployment, where a worker’s skills, experience, or education are not fully utilized in their current job.
Working hours are often excessively long, leaving employees with little time for personal growth or other aspects of life. Despite the hard work, wages remain low compared to the effort and hours invested.
Many also face workplace discrimination based on gender, caste, or region. Competition is extremely high, and opportunities for advancement or better employment remain limited.
In India, the average cost of living is rising rapidly due to population growth, inflation, and increasing prices of essentials such as food, fuel, rent, and education. As a result, many people are heavily dependent on loans or debt, often at very high interest rates. This leaves them feeling constantly burdened after borrowing, struggling to repay what they owe.
Small business owners often lack access to affordable credit, which limits their ability to expand or sustain their businesses. Additionally, a significant portion of the population does not have proper health insurance. Because of this, a single medical emergency can wipe out their entire savings. In some cases, people are unable to seek hospital care at all due to financial constraints, allowing their health problems to worsen.
4. Social & Household Struggles
Many people in India lack access to quality education and affordable healthcare. Government hospitals, which are supposed to provide help, are often overcrowded due to rapid population growth, and people frequently die because they are unable to get admitted or receive timely treatment.
Gender inequality remains a major social evil. Women still face challenges in household decision-making and are often not given enough power or autonomy. Although women have the right to work outside the home, they are still expected to manage all household responsibilities as well. This leaves them overburdened, constantly juggling both professional and domestic duties.
Additionally, issues such as child safety, malnutrition, and poor schooling in many regions of the country remain serious struggles for the average Indian household.
People living in India face emotional challenges such as mental health stigma, which refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding mental illness. Due to the taboo around mental health in many Indian households, parents often neglect the issue. In some regions, people struggling with mental health are labeled as "mad," which prevents them from seeking medical help or even considering a check-up. Even when someone finally decides to see a counselor, high consultation fees make it unaffordable, leading many to abandon therapy midway.
Indians also face numerous civic problems. Frustration with corruption remains a major issue, along with the inefficiency of government services. Civic neglect is evident in the form of poor roads, unclean neighbourhoods, and stray animals. These problems become worse during the rainy season. In some areas, roads develop large potholes, and due to poor drainage systems, certain streets are constantly waterlogged turning into perennial rivers filled with dirty water.
As a result of these ongoing challenges, people often lack the time and energy for personal growth or to pursue hobbies that could improve their mental well-being. Furthermore, high crime rates instill constant fear—especially among women and minorities—making daily life even more difficult.
Given these many challenges faced by the average Indian—ranging from economic pressures, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education, to social inequality and environmental concerns—it is perhaps not surprising that India ranks so low on the World Happiness Report. In 2025, India stands at 118th out of 147 countries, a reflection of the deep-rooted issues that affect the everyday lives of its citizens. Until these fundamental problems are meaningfully addressed, the pursuit of happiness for many Indians will remain a distant goal rather than a lived reality. [Rh/VP]