Happiest city survey: What makes Lucknow India's second happiest city?

Now we all know how the age-old adage 'Muskuraiye aap Lucknow mein hain' came into existence. For a survey, done by electronics major LG and market research company IMRB International, has revealed that Lucknow is the second happiest city in the country, only after Chandigarh. Delhi follows at third place, while Chennai and Bengaluru are placed fourth and fifth respectively.The study was conducted with a sample size of 2424 respondents aged between 18 and 45 in 16 cities across the country.
So what is it that makes Lucknow such a happy place to live in? While most Lucknowphiles blame it on the convenience factor associated to the city, there is no escaping the nazakat and andaaz of Lucknowites that makes the place too good to resist. LT finds out what is it about Lucknow that increases the happiness quotient of the people living in the city.
All put together
Little quirks come together to make the city a happier place to live in. Like Vinamra Agarwal, a city-based entrepreneur, says, "Lucknow offers a very good blend of comforts of a small city and the advantages of a big city. There is a major convenience factor associated to Lucknow. When I compare my fifteen minutes of commute from my home to office, to the one and a half hours that my friends in Mumbai spend, I feel nothing but fortunate. Successive governments have spent a lot on the development of the city and its infrastructure, and it's there for all to see. Lovely parks are coming up, art, theatre and cultural events are gaining so much prominence in the city." He adds, "Agreed Lucknow lacks the glitz and glamour of a metro, but it is a very small price to pay for all the conveniences we get."
Time at hand
Blame it on the geographically-small size or just the way the city works, Lucknow gives you the luxury of doing things at your own pace and will. "Happiness comes from friends and family, and when you have ample time to spend with them, you are a happier person! Since the distances in the city are less, you automatically have more time to do the things you love. If someone invites you somewhere, you don't have to think twice about it. You can be socially active in the city, and spend time doing the things you love," says Manav Prakash, an entrepreneur.
Amar Habibullah, a city-based entrepreneur who's lived in the US and the Middle East, credits the feel-good factor of the city to the ample time it gives for oneself. "I'm surprised it's behind Chandigarh, it should have been number one! In Lucknow, you can afford taking out the time to spend with your friends and loved ones, something which I personally missed in the US and everyone misses in a big city. You don't have to think twice about driving to the other side of town to meet a friend. Lucknow has all the advantages of a big city, but at the end of the day, is a small city," says Amar.
"Lucknow is spared the pressures of deadlines since the corporate culture hasn't completely taken over, and that gives the people the luxury to work with their own pace," says Piyush Abhay Singh, a filmmaker in the city who's lived in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai as well. "I've spent a couple of years in Mumbai, but eventually came back to Lucknow to settle down. The best part about the city is that you can take out time for chai-samosa in the morning and chaat and kachoris in the evening, and still manage to accommodate your office and work routine in between," he smiles.
The people
It's famously said that the soul of a city is in its people. And if the people are warm and happy-go-lucky, can the city be far behind? "It's the people of the city who carry their culture forward. Lucknow is regarded as such a culturally-rich city and all the credit for it goes to the warm and helpful people here. If someone is stuck on the road, people come forward and help. I myself have faced many such experiences. Sometime ago, when I was learning how to drive, my car got stuck between a couple of rocks at a crossing, which was about to close. Immediately, a man who was in the car behind me came forward and said 'Ma'am aap hatiye, main kar doonga'," says Seema Rajbir, an academician. She adds, "Lucknow is also one of the most peace-loving cities in the country. Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged it at the time of Independence that Lucknow was the only city which didn't face any communal rioting. And that record is maintained till date."
The people of Lucknow have even made Chandigarhites shift their loyalties, the city on top of the list. Like Vandana Sehgal, professor at the College of Architecture, tells us with a laugh, "It's the people of Lucknow that make this city so happy. Even though I have spent a beautiful childhood in Chandigarh, my allegiance is now with Lucknow. Chandigarh is a planned city, but I feel it suits the older people better. I'm very happy with the relaxed and easy pace of life in Lucknow.
"The best thing about Lucknow is that people are content. They don't indulge in a frivolous rat race and forget about the smaller but more important things in life. Living a relaxed lifestyle and working at their own pace spreads a wave of happiness throughout the city," feels Dr AP Tikku, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, KGMU, and a hardcore Lucknowphile.
Improvement in standard of living
"In the past couple of years, Lucknow has grown. The infrastructure has greatly improved over the years, which has made life easy for the people. They are very content with their way of life. Also, the city is very well-balanced communally and harmonious," says Gaurav Mehrotra, a prominent advocate in the city.
The food
The way to a happy heart is through the stomach, say happy Lucknowites who's happiness quotient is increased seeing Lucknow's culinary delights. "I'm a big, big foodie, and feel so much pride in boasting about Lucknow's food to my friends outside the city. Tundey kebabs, rasmalai, chaat -- my day isn't complete till I visit one of the famous outlets for a bit. The local food here has played a huge role in making me attached to the city," says Anurita Sinha, an English honours graduate from Lucknow University.
A cost-effective city
Lucknow might not offer the best career opportunities to youngsters, but the fact that it's a lot cheaper than other growing cities in the country works in its favour. "Lucknow can give you a decent lifestyle even at a mediocre income. The cost of living is much cheaper compared to other cities in the country, and that really works for people like me who've just started out in their career and are looking to stabilise. Also, with the distances being less, there's a lot more you can do in a day than just spending hours commuting," says Achal Krishna, a sales executive in a media firm.