Classroom blues? What’s that?
Manpriya Singh
What? Happiness curriculum? Can there be a ‘happiness class’ or a ‘happiness hour’ in the first place when there ought to be a wholesome happiness culture? What’s the point of ‘happiness period’ succeeded by a Maths lecture where the teacher is yelling at a student?
As the Delhi Government launches a ‘happiness curriculum’ for its school students up to Class VIII (with the Dalai Lama gracing the occasion), those from the education sector might cast doubts on the logistics of the move, but not the need for some more happiness in our lives and in fact, the dire lack of it.
It’s all about contentment of mind
Happiness is a very personal concept for the Headmaster, Panjab Public School, Nabha, Dr Jagpreet Singh, but what he couldn’t emphasize more on is the absolute need of it while dealing with the young minds. “Very simply put, it’s contentment of mind and that happens in school only when a child looks forward to the next day at school every single morning. And that can only happen when a student has the feeling, ‘I’ve been understood.’ Not every child is brilliant in academics or sports, but their special talents and abilities need to be recognised and honed and they need to be acknowledged for that. We work at having a happy staff and tell them that they are dealing with the youngest human resource of the country that is going to shape our future.”
And that’s the key to PPS Nabha scoring high on the happiness quotient in some of the most acknowledged surveys. “I’m happy with the focus on happy kids more than all rounder kids and let’s all get together to achieve it.”
We could do with more happiness
Every time Vandana Saxena, Principal, Tribune Model School, chances upon newspapers, the grim scenario and stressful times pop their head right out. “All you can read about is suicides, political drama, road accidents, unfortunately. The whole society could do with a little more happiness since the happiness quotient has declined considerably and it pays if the efforts begin when they are at an impressionable age.” What she is not very sure about is, how do you achieve a wholesome state of mind with just a class dedicated to it. “Happiness is a culture. How can there be a happiness class? In all humility, I’d like to say in our school anybody who walks in can sense happy vibes and they begin with making the child, the visitors and everyone comfortable.”
Take the pressure away
Teachers are mentors, not just tutors, if each teacher could work at making the child comfortable, that can be the foundation for a happy school, feels Sushma Gupta, administrator, The British School, Panchkula.
“You can make out if the children are happy to be coming to school every morning. If they walk in with anxious faces then that’s not a good start and that is what needs to be tackled first. Whether that happens with a class, with one practice or a series of it needs to be found out and settled.” She adds, “It’s not so much a new idea, in our school, there are already a range of activities designed to take away children’s stress and pressure.”
manpriya@tribunemail.com
