In what can be called as a great step to impart value education to children, the Delhi government launched the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ for students from nursery to Class VIII in government schools on Monday. The curriculum was launched in the presence of the Dalai Lama.
“Education is our topmost priorities. The Centre and other state governments should give one year, focussing on education at a war footing,” Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said while launching it.
Terming the occasion of launching the curriculum ‘historical’, Kejriwal said the ‘Happiness curriculum’ is 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.
“There was a need to overhall the present education system that has not been able to produce good human being”, the chief minister said, adding, “Happiness Curriculum was a ‘solid step’ towards this aim.”
Congratulating the 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.
Calling for a revival of the ancient Indian knowledge in the country, the Dalai Lama said, “By reviving this ancient knowledge, India can become the modern Guru.”
Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Education Department of Delhi government, Manish Sisodia asserted that the experiment might one day spread across the country and the world as well.
“The curriculum will involve a ‘Happiness’ period of 45 minutes for all students studying in nursery up to Class VIII at all the Delhi government schools. Each class will begin with a five minute meditation practice”, Sisodia said.
“The effect of this involving 10 lakh students and around 50,000 teachers can be imagined. It is our belief that the modern day problems like terrorism, corruption, and pollution can be solved through schools and a human-centric education,” he added.
The deputy chief minister further stated that the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ including meditation, value education, and mental exercises, was designed and prepared by a team of 40 Delhi government teachers, educators and volunteers over a period of six months.
