The Delhi government on Monday launched a “happiness curriculum” in state-run schools. The Dalai Lama, several government officials, students and teachers were present at the event.
The curriculum will be taught to around eight lakh students from nursery up to Class 8 of all Delhi government schools from the new academic session. The curriculum involves a “happiness period” of 45 minutes and five minutes of meditation before each class.
Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia said a team of 40 experts framed the curriculum that will include meditation, moral values and mental exercises. “Imagine the impact of involving 10 lakh students and around 50,000 teachers,” Sisodia was quoted as saying by PTI. “It is our belief that the modern day problems like terrorism, corruption and pollution can be solved through schools and a human centric education.”
Terming the occasion “historic”, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed the curriculum is part of the third stage of reforms that his government has introduced in the education sector. The “happiness curriculum” is a “solid step towards creating good human beings”, he said.
The Dalai Lama congratulated the Delhi government for coming up with the idea, and said, “Only India has the ability to combine modern education with ancient knowledge, which is necessary for the fulfilment of human emotions.”
The curriculum will help people overcome “negative emotions” such as anger, hatred and jealousy, the religious leader added. “By reviving this ancient knowledge, India can become the modern Guru.”
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