New Delhi, April 7 -- Ask any Indian parent what they want for their child, and the answer is often delivered with warmth and simplicity: "Bas khush raho beta" (Just be happy, my child). But behind this seemingly universal wish lies a more layered reality. In many families, happiness isn't just about emotional well-being-it's closely linked to financial milestones. A good job, a home of one's own, a stable future. But here's the million-dollar question: Does money lead to happiness, or does happiness lead to better financial outcomes?

and-egg problem of money and happiness

For decades, economists and psychologists have tried to crack this mystery. The relationship between money and happiness isn't as straightforward as we once thought. ...