In order to teach students how to be happy, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi is planning to introduce a ‘happiness curriculum’. With this move, nursery to class 8 government school students will now get lessons on being ‘happy’.
The announcement about this move was made by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at the Thyagraj Stadium while addressing an award ceremony. The aim of this move is to enhance the personality of the students and influence the direction in which they are heading. While this new ‘happiness curriculum’ will be introduced for the betterment of the children, it will have no formal examination and help students enjoy while they learn to be happy.
Addressing a gathering at the Excellence in Education awards, Sisodia, who is also the education minister of Delhi, talked about the ‘happiness curriculum’. He said that the Delhi government has already commissioned a team of experts for the purpose. The team, which included school teachers, is preparing a framework for the happiness curriculum, he said.
Talking about the first-of-its kind move, Sisodia said new curriculum will be entirely activity-based. He said that the entire curriculum will be “purely activity-based” and there shall be no formal examinations. However, a periodic assessment of children’s progress will be made using a happiness index.”
Sisodia said that education must serve a larger moral and societal purpose. It cannot be looked at in “isolation from the needs of society.” At a time when the country is aiming for economic equality, Sisodia said that people “must strive for ‘happiness equality’ as well.”
The education minister further appealed to all government school teachers and students to come forward and assist the government in developing the happiness curriculum.
While talking further about the idea of launching the happiness curriculum, Sisodia drew parallel with Bhutan’s Happiness Index for citizens. He said the introduction of happiness curriculum in schools will help enhance personality of children and influence the direction in which the society and country are heading.
