New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi Wednesday proposed the idea of introducing happiness classes across judicial academies in the country, similar to the ones started by the Delhi government in its schools.
Speaking at an event to mark the first year of the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ in Delhi government schools, Gogoi said, “As the CJI, I was thinking if we all were to remain happy, my problem of litigation would be over, no one would file any cases”.
The CJI lauded the Delhi government’s initiative, saying other states could learn from this. He added that the curriculum had potential to be introduced across the country at a time when India’s ranking has dropped to 140 on the World Happiness Index.
The ‘Happiness Curriculum’ launched by the Delhi government focuses on holistic education by including meditation, value education, and mental exercises in conventional education curriculum. It has been introduced for the students of nursery to Class 8 in government schools.
Similar modules have been adopted in 12 other countries, said Gogoi.
The CJI said though he was yet to consult his colleagues, but he was considering starting happiness classes across judicial academies after hearing students from the audience share their learnings.
He also acknowledged the presence of education officials from other countries, especially Bhutan, and added that he felt everyone was happy when he visited the neighbouring country two years ago.
Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and education ministers of seven states also participated in the Happiness Education Conference at Talkatora stadium on the final day of the 15-day ‘Happiness Utsav’.
Also read: DTC estimated to lose Rs 300 crore/year if AAP’s free ride scheme for women is implemented
Progress in Delhi
At the event, Baijal elaborated on the basic pursuit of happiness, while CM Kejriwal expressed gratitude to CJI Gogoi for attending a public function related to education in Delhi.
Kejriwal added that the pass percentage of state-run schools has gone up to 92 per cent under his government, besides the increase in the education budget.
Education has been a key focus of the Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government since coming to power in 2015.
On Tuesday, education officials from Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Nagaland visited Delhi government schools to be a part of the happiness classes and said they would sign an MoU with the AAP government to explore a similar curriculum in their respective states.
Earlier this week, education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, the inspiration behind the character of actor Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots (2009), also visited a Delhi government school and said he was happy to see emphasis being laid on students’ well-being.
Also read: Unnao rape victim’s plea reaches CJI Gogoi 18 days after she sent it, delay to be probed