Kejriwal, Dalai Lama introduce 'Happiness Curriculum' for Delhi govt schools
What's the story
The Delhi government today launched "Happiness Curriculum" for its school students, with the Dalai Lama gracing the occasion and saying that India can lead the world by uniting the modern and ancient knowledge and help it overcome "negative emotions" of the mankind.
Launching the curriculum for students of nursery up to Class 8, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the occasion "historical".
Here's more.
Pearls of wisdom
Combining modern education with ancient knowledge helps in mental well-being
Congratulating Delhi government for its initiative to include "Happiness Curriculum" in its schools, the Dalai Lama said, "Only India has the ability to combine modern education with ancient knowledge which is necessary for fulfillment of human emotions."
He said such a combination will pave way for physical and mental well-being, solving troubles caused due to negative and destructive emotions like anger, hatred, and jealousy.
Third reform
Third stage of reform in education sector by AAP: Kejriwal
Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal termed the "Happiness Curriculum" launched today as the third stage of reforms in education sector initiated by his government after focusing on infrastructure development and motivation of teachers at the government schools.
"Education is our topmost priority. The Center and other state governments should give one year, focusing on education at a war footing," he said.
Happiness period
'Happiness' period will be of 45 minutes
Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who conceived the curriculum, asserted that the experiment might one day spread across the country and the world as well.
He said that the curriculum will involve a "Happiness period" of 45 minutes for all students studying in nursery up to Class 8 at all the Delhi government schools. Each class will begin with a five-minute meditation practice.
Helping hands
Happiness Curriculum prepared by Delhi govt teachers, educators, volunteers
"The effect of this (curriculum) involving 10 lakh students and around 50,000 teachers can be imagined. It is our belief that problems like terrorism, corruption, and pollution can be solved through a human-centric education," Sisodia said.
"Happiness Curriculum" including meditation, value education, and mental exercises, was prepared by a team of 40 Delhi government teachers, educators, and volunteers over a period of six months.