The Samikhsya Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated “Ānandam: The Center for Happiness” at IIM, Jammu virtually today.
Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha; Founder, Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar virtually graced the ocaasion.
Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu presided over the event, whereas Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director IIM Jammu was also present.
Speaking on the occasion Pokhriyal congratulated IIM Jammu for the new venture and defined the need for Ānandam. Incorporating happiness in the academic curriculum of students is a very crucial step towards empowering our nation, he said.
The Minister also informed that the prime activities envisaged under the concept of ‘Ānandam: The Center for Happiness’ will be divided into five broad categories, namely, Counselling, Holistic wellness, Elective courses on Happiness Development, Research and Leadership & Faculty Development. The Advisory Board of Experts for the Center constitutes of numerous experts from academics, research and industry, he added.
Addressing the participants Sinha provided his idea of happiness wherein he gave us an example of our neighbouring country, Bhutan, which is ranked very high in the happiness index.
He said that “The right way to measure wealth is to measure happiness and not money”. He explained the benefits of yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices for students to maximize their overall performance that staying happy is the best prayer that anyone can offer to a god and is real idea of happiness.
