Happiness festival at Delhi govt schools launched

Delhi government launched "Happiness Utsav" in its schools Tuesday to celebrate completion of a year of introduction of its happiness curriculum.

During the festival, the first 50 minutes of each day, all children studying in Delhi govt schools will take part in various activities.

"The Delhi government is celebrating the Happiness Utsav to mark the first year of the curriculum's launch. On Day 1, the children were involved in a drawing mela, where they drew on the subject 'What makes you happy?'," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

"Lakhs of children across the city from Classes 1 to 8 sat in their respective school assemblies to take part in the activity. Such activities will encourage children to reflect on their emotion and thought process. It will help them understand themselves better and lead them to be mindful of their feelings," he said.

During the festival, the morning assembly session and the first period will be combined to conduct activities.

"Dignitaries, alumni and parents have been invited by the schools to witness this festival for children. On second day all schools will hold a panel discussion in every class on what ensures happiness for children and what it means to be compassionate towards others. Teachers have identified the participants and the questions for the panel in advance," Sisodia said.

Activities like plays, poems, exhibitions will be part of the 15-day festival which will culminate in a grand ceremony, a Delhi government official said.