Ipsos, a global market research company, has released the results of its latest 30-country survey, “Is Life Getting Better?” The study examined how people view life today compared to life half a century ago.
Nostalgia is widespread even though 72% of respondents in these countries – including India – were born after 1975. In India in particular, a larger proportion of people believe that life in 1975 was better than in 2025.
41% of Indians said “people were happier in 1975”
In comparing life today to 1975, many Indians drew on generational memories and family stories that portray the past as a time marked by greater harmony, simplicity and stronger community bonds.
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At least 44% of Indians believe that the quality of the environment was better in 1975 than it is today. Recent natural disasters such as floods and landslides seem to have reinforced the notion that the environment has deteriorated over time.
A similar trend is seen in perceptions of happiness, with 41% of Indians believing that people were happier in 1975.
“Respondents pointed to greater social ties, fewer digital distractions, more family time and a slower pace of life. While financial resources were tight then, many believe people still lived contented lives and shared more meaningful personal interactions,” the study found.
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In 2025, India was ranked 118th among 147 countries in the World Happiness Report 2025.
According to the survey, more Indian citizens believe that the streets were safer 50 years ago and that living standards were perceived to be better in the past. “People also felt less threatened by war or global conflict, and health care was seen as more accessible or affordable at that time,” the study added.
What was happening in 1975 in India?
In 1975, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, declared a national emergency at midnight on 25–26 June, citing “internal disturbances”.
This 21-month authoritarian period (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977) suspended civil liberties, jailed over 100,000 opposition leaders and critics without trial, censored the press, and granted unchecked powers to the government.
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The Emergency, triggered by the verdict of the Allahabad High Court disqualifying Gandhi from the 1971 election, and nationwide protests led by Jayaprakash Narayan, remains the darkest chapter in independent India’s democratic history, lasting until Gandhi calls an election in 1977 and loses power.
“Education is better today”
Indians overwhelmingly believe that education is better today than it was 50 years ago. They cite greater availability of work-oriented programs and skills that prepare students for the modern workforce, as opposed to the generalized, theory-heavy curricula of earlier decades. “Despite 78% of Indians surveyed being born after 1975, nostalgia runs deep with 44% and 41% feeling the environment and happiness were better then,” said Suresh Ramalingam, CEO, Ipsos India.
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A study of 30 countries reveals a clear global trend towards nostalgia. When asked whether they would rather have been born in 1975 or 2025, respondents overwhelmingly chose the past, almost two to one. On average, 44% would like to be born in 1975, while only 24% prefer the present.
France is the most nostalgic nation
France is the most nostalgic nation, with 57% of the population preferring the year 1975.
Although 78% of Indians surveyed were born after 1975, nostalgia runs deep – 44% and 41% feel the environment and happiness were better then, respectively.
Meantime, South Korea is the only outlying region where more respondents chose to be born now than 50 years ago. Belgium and Mexico (both 53%) along with the UK and New Zealand (both 52%) also show strong leanings towards the past, the report says.
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A clear majority believes the world was a happier place in earlier decades. 55 percent say their country was happier in 1975, compared to just 16% who feel that way today, the study revealed.
Key things
- Most Indians see the 1975 era as happier despite its authoritarian rule.
- There is a stark contrast between perceptions of happiness in the past and today, with many citing community bonds and simplicity.
- The survey reflects a wider global trend of nostalgia, with many respondents preferring to be born in 1975 over 2025.
