Week-long 'Anandam' programme takes off in MP

The Madhya Pradesh government which has constituted unique 'Happiness Department,' today organised its maiden activity as part of the week-long "Anandam" programme coinciding with Makar Sankranti festival.
People were asked to donate whatever they wish at a designated place and take things that they don't have on the occasion. The main programme was held in the state capital at TT Nagar stadium which was addressed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
"The Anandam programme will be organised till January 21 across the state during which traditional games, dance and music programmes will be held," a Public Relation Department official said.

"One gets true pleasure in helping others. To raise the level of happiness among the people, this initiative has been organised so that they have positivity in life and learn the art of leading a tension free life," Chouhan said addressing the inaugural programme.
"Anand Sabhas will be organised and lessons on how to make life happy and meaningful will be included in school syllabus," Chouhan said.
"The main objective behind it is to develop positive attitude among students so that they remain prepared to serve and help others in need," the Chief Minister said.

"A dedicated website is also being created in which people can enroll themselves to become 'Anandak,' a person who can make others happy. Anybody can become a part of it including those associated with non-government, government, cultural and business establishments," he said.

Chouhan congratulated people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and added that development and activities related to Anandam will go together in the state.
The CM appealed to people to donate excess belongings like clothes, books, utensils, furniture and other goods.
The programmes under Anandam will be organised right up to Panchayat level and participation in it is totally optional.
"Economically well-off persons can donate their belongings at designated places in the state capital and other district places and those in need of them can take it from there as part of Anandam," he said.
The CM through video conferencing facility also interacted with people of Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain and appealed to them to take part in it whole heartedly.

Chouhan's wife Sadhna donated jackets, saris, blankets, utensils, school bags and other goods.