This refers to the article, “Preaching happiness” (February 9). At a time when crime rates are increasing amongst children and mental health issues are also on the rise, it is indeed a positive step by the Delhi Government to induct happiness lessons in Government-run schools. At the same time, it is really disheartening that India fares very poorly in the global happiness ranking. I agree that happiness cannot be bought and it has nothing to do with prosperity or material success. If key ingredients of being happy are inculcated in a child at the right age, not only will he/she grow as a happy youth but the society as a whole will be far more peaceful and a good place to live.
It is all about bringing in the much-needed change in attitude. Children should be taught how to be calm and happy in every situation in life as both good and bad times will always be a part of their lives. When we are living in an intense competitive world, where peer pressure is immense and will only increase in the coming years, being happy should not be a choice, it should, in fact, be the only way out. Mere academic brilliance is not enough for the holistic upbringing of a child. Now, the most critical part of this move is to take a call as to who will teach happiness to these students. Ideally, a child psychologist or mental health professional should be roped in to get the right kind of people on board.