Happiness classes begin in MP

In a first of its kind move in the country, Madhya Pradesh government has initiated steps to begin happiness classes in schools in the state to destress the students.

The newly created ‘Happiness Department’ of the state government has been assigned the task of preparing modules for such classes proposed to be held once in a week in all government and private schools.

“The happiness department has begun the exercise to prepare modules to inspire positive thinking in students to help them lead a healthy and successful life in future. The move is primarily aimed at curbing rising trend of suicides by students fol- lowing poor performances in the examinations,” a senior officer of the department told this newspaper here on Friday.

According to him, around a 100 themes for the programme have been shortlisted for preparation of the modules

The themes include success stories in different fields like films, graphics, street plays, and sports.

The schools will also be encouraged to prepare modules and train their staff to run classes on the modules.

Besides, private individuals and institutions will also be allowed to produce such modules.

“A sum of `20,000 will be paid to the author of each module,” the officer said and added that the department will hold the copyright of the module prepared.