A collection of value-based stories by J.M. Mehta.
Most self-help advice today arrives as a list: ten habits, five rules or three steps. 75 Ways to Happiness, published by V&S Publishers, takes a different route.
It teaches through story, the oldest form of moral instruction, and lets 75 short, value-based tales make each lesson feel lived rather than lectured.
Written and compiled by the well-known author J.M. Mehta, this book sits at the intersection of personality development, positive thinking and everyday wisdom.
This guide examines what the book offers, why India's happiness data makes a book like this timely, and how its story-based format compares with conventional self-help writing.
Why Happiness Deserves Serious Attention Right Now
Happiness is not simply a mood. It is now tracked, measured and compared across nations each year by the World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The 2026 edition places India at 116th position out of around 140 countries, representing a slight improvement from 118th in 2025. The report also identifies heavy social media use as a concern connected to declining youth wellbeing.
Positive psychology research led by Dr Martin Seligman found that repeatable practices such as expressing gratitude, noticing three good things each day and using personal strengths in new ways produced measurable improvements in happiness.
A later meta-analysis covering 25 randomised controlled trials and almost 6,750 participants also found that gratitude interventions had a significant positive effect on life satisfaction and positive affect.
This is the same territory explored by 75 Ways to Happiness: gratitude, contentment, perspective and purpose, presented through short stories rather than worksheets.
Quick Data Snapshot
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| India's World Happiness Report rank, 2026 | 116th of about 140 countries | World Happiness Report 2026 |
| India's World Happiness Report rank, 2025 | 118th | World Happiness Report 2025 |
| Randomised trials confirming that gratitude interventions improve wellbeing | 25 trials and 6,745 participants | Journal of Happiness Studies meta-analysis |
| Duration of gains from signature-strength and three-good-things exercises | Up to six months | Seligman et al., American Psychologist, 2005 |
| Total stories in 75 Ways to Happiness | 75 | V&S Publishers |
| Recommended age group | 18 to 35 years | V&S Publishers |
| Pages | 160 | V&S Publishers |
Inside 75 Ways to Happiness
The book is a collection of 75 value-based stories. Each story begins with a line of wisdom that introduces its central lesson before the narrative starts.
Every story explores a simple but important value that readers can apply to everyday life rather than merely read about.
Book Snapshot
| Book Title | 75 Ways to Happiness |
| Author | J.M. Mehta |
| Subtitle | A collection of value-based stories |
| Category | Self Help and Personal Development |
| Age Group | 18 to 35 years |
| Language | English |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Colour | Black and White |
| Pages | 160 |
| Price | Rs. 295 (approximately USD 12) |
| Publisher | V&S Publishers |
The “Something Extra” Feature
At the end of every story, a feature called “Something Extra” draws out the deeper meaning of the narrative and identifies the moral value at its centre.
It works like a short reflection after each story, turning a simple tale into a practical lesson connected to a happier and more contented life.
Readers can explore related titles through the Self Help and Personal Development category or browse the complete V&S Publishers catalogue .
Why the Busy Lifestyle Problem Is the Starting Point
The book identifies a specific modern problem: people living busy lives rarely have time to reflect on the values that support a happy and meaningful life.
This reflects a wider pattern in wellbeing research, where the pace of modern life and constant digital distraction reduce the quiet reflection that values-based thinking requires.
75 Ways to Happiness responds with a format designed for busy readers. Each story can be read within a few minutes, and each “Something Extra” section summarises the central lesson in a short reflection.
Readers do not need to set aside an hour or work through a complicated programme. The book is designed to fit within the same busy lifestyle it is trying to help readers step back from.
Story-Based Learning vs Traditional Self-Help Writing
| Factor | Prescriptive Self-Help | Value-Based Story Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Lists, frameworks and action steps | Short narrative stories with a reflection box |
| Engagement | Can feel instructional or repetitive | Emotionally engaging and easier to recall |
| Retention | Advice may be forgotten once the list ends | Stories and their morals tend to remain memorable |
| Time commitment | May require sustained reading or exercises | Each story can be read in a few minutes |
| Application | The reader translates the advice into action alone | The “Something Extra” box explains the application |
| Best suited for | Readers seeking structured, step-by-step guidance | Readers seeking daily reflection in small doses |
Five Recurring Themes Readers Can Take Away
Although every story has its own lesson, five broader themes connect the collection and support its focus on happiness, personal growth and success.
Gratitude and Perspective
Stories encourage readers to shift their attention from what is missing towards what is already present in their lives.
Contentment Over Comparison
The lessons address dissatisfaction caused by comparing personal progress with the lives, careers and achievements of others.
Simplicity in Decision Making
Complicated situations are reduced to a clear central value, helping readers make thoughtful choices without unnecessary overthinking.
Resilience Through Small Wisdom
Short, memorable stories provide lines of wisdom that readers can recall during difficult situations and periods of uncertainty.
Success as a By-Product of Values
The stories reinforce the idea that meaningful success can grow naturally from living according to sound values.
Who Should Read 75 Ways to Happiness?
Young professionals aged 18 to 35: Suitable for readers managing career pressure who prefer short, reflective reading over a lengthy self-help programme.
Students moving from campus to corporate life: Offers grounding values alongside the practical skills required during early career transitions.
Readers who enjoy story-driven motivation: Provides 75 individual narratives and lessons within a single structured collection.
Anyone rebuilding a daily reading habit: Each story and its “Something Extra” section can be completed in one short sitting.
Gift buyers: An affordable, values-focused book for graduates, young professionals or anyone navigating a difficult season.
How to Get the Most Out of This Book
- Read one story at a time. The format is designed for daily reflection rather than reading the complete book in one sitting.
- Pause at the opening line of wisdom. Consider its meaning before reading the story that illustrates the lesson.
- Read the “Something Extra” section slowly. This is where the story's underlying value is identified and connected to everyday life.
- Keep a short journal alongside the book. Writing down a brief reflection can help reinforce gratitude, perspective and other lessons.
- Revisit stories that resonated. Value-based stories may reveal new meaning when reread after a relevant life event.
About V&S Publishers
75 Ways to Happiness is published by V&S Publishers , a Delhi-based publishing house active since the 1940s.
Its catalogue includes self-help and personal-development titles such as the Rapidex English Speaking Course and spans more than 2,000 titles across over 100 subjects and nine languages.
The publishing house has received recognition at industry events, including a Federation of Indian Publishers award for excellence in book production. It continues to expand its personal-growth catalogue for readers navigating career, confidence and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote 75 Ways to Happiness?
The book was written and compiled by the well-known author J.M. Mehta.
What age group is this book meant for?
It is positioned for readers aged 18 to 35, although its value-based stories can be relevant to readers of most ages.
How many stories does the book contain?
It contains 75 value-based stories, each with an opening line of wisdom and a closing “Something Extra” reflection.
What kind of values does the book teach?
The stories explore gratitude, contentment, resilience and perspective, helping readers work towards a happier and more successful life.
Is this similar to other popular happiness books in India?
It uses a story-driven and values-based approach, but its structure of 75 separate stories with individual reflections distinguishes it from conventional self-help books.
How long does it take to read a single story?
Each story and its “Something Extra” section can be read in a few minutes, making the book suitable for daily reading.
Is this a religious or spiritual book?
No. It focuses on universal values and everyday life lessons rather than any specific religious teaching.
Can the book help with workplace stress or career pressure?
Its themes of contentment, perspective and resilience are relevant to readers managing professional pressure and career transitions.
Final Thoughts
Happiness research points towards the value of small, repeatable practices based on gratitude, perspective and personal values. 75 Ways to Happiness translates those ideas into an approachable collection of 75 short stories, each with its lesson clearly explained.
For readers looking for a personality-development book that offers daily reflection instead of another lengthy framework, J.M. Mehta's story-driven collection provides a simple and accessible starting point.