MAM
The good old days weren’t, but people wish they were ; nostalgia rules according to Ipsos survey
MUMBAI: The past has never looked so rosy. Despite being born decades after disco died, most people across 30 countries would rather have emerged into the world in 1975 than today. By a ratio of nearly two to one, respondents to an Ipsos survey say they’d prefer to have been born 50 years ago—44 per cent versus a mere 24 per cent who favour 2025.
The nostalgia is particularly acute in India, where 44 per cent believe the environment was superior in 1975 and 41 per cent reckon people were happier back then. Never mind that 78 per cent of Indian respondents weren’t even alive to experience the supposed glory days. They’ve inherited a collective memory of simpler times, cleaner air and closer-knit families—passed down like heirlooms through generations.
Recent floods and landslides have sharpened perceptions that India’s environment has deteriorated. Streets, respondents insist, were safer. Healthcare was more accessible. War seemed more distant. Living standards were better, despite India now standing as the world’s fourth-largest economy, poised to overtake Japan for third place by 2030.
The global picture mirrors India’s wistfulness. Across the 30 countries surveyed, 55 per cent say their nation was happier in 1975, compared with just 16 per cent who believe it’s happier now. Environmental degradation troubles people everywhere: in 26 of 30 countries, majorities believe the natural world was in better shape half a century ago, with the global average hitting 61 per cent.
France leads the nostalgia parade, with 57 per cent preferring to have been born in 1975. Belgium and Mexico follow at 53 per cent, whilst Britain and New Zealand tie at 52 per cent. Only South Korea bucks the trend, with more people choosing the present over the past.
Yet the nostalgia rests on shaky foundations. Respondents consistently overestimate life expectancy in 1975 and underestimate how long people live today—even though many can now expect to reach 75 or beyond.
Not everything tilts backwards. A global majority of 55 per cent believe healthcare has improved, reflecting genuine advances in treatment and access. In India, education stands out as an unambiguous win for modernity. Indians overwhelmingly credit today’s job-oriented, skill-based programmes over the theory-laden curricula of yesteryear.
Living standards tell divergent stories depending on geography. In South Korea, 80 per cent believe life is better now; 70 per cent of Singaporeans and 66 per cent of Poles agree. Meanwhile, 59 per cent of the French, 52 per cent of Turks and 52 per cent of Canadians insist things were superior in 1975.
“Despite India being the world’s fourth-largest economy, nostalgia runs deep,” says Ipsos India chief executive Suresh Ramalingam. “Tech-driven lives bring convenience but also emotional distance and higher living costs. Progress drives pride, yet people view the past through a softer, more sentimental lens—where life seemed simpler and happiness easier.”
Ipsos interviewed 23,772 adults across 30 countries between August 22nd and September 5th, 2025. Even Generation Z, the only cohort showing a slight preference for being born in the 2020s, expresses profound uncertainty about both present and future.
The verdict is clear: modernity delivers longer lives, better medicine and expanded educational opportunities. But it cannot compete with the sepia-tinted allure of a past most people never knew—and which, in all likelihood, was nowhere near as golden as memory suggests.
Midnight celebrations have become a beloved tradition across India. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or special milestone, many people now prefer starting the celebration exactly when the clock strikes twelve. At the heart of these midnight surprises is one essential element, a cake. Over the years, Ferns n Petals cakes have become a popular choice for people planning these late-night celebrations, thanks to their variety, presentation, and reliable delivery services.
Known for combining creativity with convenience, Ferns n Petals has built a reputation for offering cakes that suit almost every occasion. From elegant anniversary cakes to fun birthday designs, the brand’s collection has helped make midnight surprises more memorable for people across the country.
A Wide Variety of Cakes for Every Occasion
One of the biggest reasons Ferns n Petals cakes have become a go-to choice for midnight celebrations is the wide selection available. The brand offers everything from classic flavours like chocolate truffle, black forest, and red velvet to more elaborate options such as designer cakes, photo cakes, and fondant creations.
This variety allows customers to pick cakes that match the theme of their celebration. Whether it’s a romantic anniversary surprise or a cheerful birthday gathering, there is usually a cake design that fits perfectly with the occasion. The ability to customise cakes with personal messages or themed decorations adds another layer of excitement for people planning midnight celebrations.
Designer Cakes That Make a Statement
Presentation plays a huge role in celebrations today. Cakes are no longer just desserts; they often become the centrepiece of the event. Ferns n Petals cakes are known for their attention to detail, with designs that range from elegant floral decorations to creative themed cakes inspired by hobbies, professions, or favourite characters.
Many people planning midnight surprises prefer visually appealing cakes because they become the highlight of the celebration photos. With carefully designed cakes that balance flavour and aesthetics, FNP has managed to make its cakes both delicious and visually impressive.
Freshly Prepared and Carefully Delivered
Another reason Ferns n Petals cakes are widely preferred is the emphasis on freshness and quality. Cakes are typically prepared close to the delivery time and packaged securely to ensure they arrive in good condition. Delivering cakes at midnight requires careful planning and logistics, especially in busy cities. Reliable packaging and handling help maintain the cake’s shape, taste, and overall presentation. This attention to detail has helped FNP maintain customer trust when it comes to special occasion deliveries.
Cakes for Every Celebration Style
Not every celebration is the same, and people often look for cakes that match the mood of the event. Some prefer elegant multi-layered cakes for anniversaries, while others choose playful themed cakes for birthdays.
The diverse range of Ferns n Petals cakes allows customers to select cakes based on their preferences, whether they want something simple and classic or bold and creative. Options like photo cakes, heart-shaped cakes, and themed cakes have become particularly popular for midnight surprises because they add a personal touch to the celebration.
Convenient Ordering and Reliable Delivery
Planning a midnight surprise can feel a bit overwhelming, there’s timing, gifts, and everything in between to think about. That’s where Ferns N Petals makes things simple. Ordering cakes online is quick and hassle-free, letting you focus more on the celebration and less on the logistics.
Customers can easily browse a wide selection of cakes, pick their favourite flavours and sizes, and schedule delivery as per their convenience. With options like same day delivery, midnight delivery, and pan India delivery, pulling off a perfectly timed surprise becomes much easier, even if it’s a last-minute plan. For many, it’s this reliability and flexibility that makes every celebration feel smooth, special, and right on time
Creating Memorable Celebration Moments
For many people, the cake cutting moment is the highlight of the celebration. It’s the moment when friends and family gather, wishes are shared, and memories are created. Cakes often become the focal point of photographs and videos that capture these special occasions.
Because of their design, variety, and reliability, Ferns n Petals cakes have become closely associated with these memorable midnight moments. Whether it’s a surprise birthday celebration at home or a romantic anniversary gesture, the cake often plays the most important role in bringing the celebration together.
A Sweet Start to Special Days
Starting a celebration at midnight has become a meaningful tradition for many families and friend groups. It marks the beginning of a special day in a joyful and memorable way. With their wide range of flavours, elegant designs, and dependable delivery services, Ferns n Petals cakes continue to be a popular choice for those planning these moments.
As celebrations evolve and people find new ways to surprise loved ones, cakes will always remain at the centre of these gatherings. For many, choosing the right cake is the first step in creating a memorable midnight surprise, and that’s where FNP’s cakes continue to play a significant role.
