Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ speaking at the inauguration of “Anandam: The Center for Happiness” in IIM Jammu. (PIB)
New Delhi: Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually inaugurated “Anandam: The Center for Happiness” in IIM Jammu today.
Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha; Founder, Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar virtually graced the occasion. Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu presided over the event, whereas Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director IIM Jammu was also present.
Speaking on the occasion Pokhriyal congratulated IIM Jammu for the new venture and defined the need for Anandam: The Center for Happiness.
“This step will take our education system to newer heights, similar to the times of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila,” Pokhriyal said.
He explained that how Anandam: The Center for happiness aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 that aims to transform India’s education system by 2021.
He further said that the purpose of establishing ‘Anandam’ at Indian Institute of Management Jammu is to bring holistic well-being.’
Regular physical exercises at the Center will contribute to the wellness at the physical level for both the students and the faculty, he added.
Pokhriyal further informed that the Center envisions that all shall attain the state of Ananda through conscious efforts. There are going to be practices for breathing exercises like pranayama and mindfulness, which help in enhancing vitality. Other than this, the practice of Meditation and contemplation will also be encouraged.
The Minister also informed that the prime activities envisaged under the concept of ‘Anandam: The Center for Happiness’ will be divided into five broad categories, namely, Counselling, Holistic wellness, Elective courses on Happiness Development, Research and Leadership & Faculty Development.
The Advisory Board of Experts for the Center constitutes of numerous experts from academics, research and industry, he added.
Addressing the participants, LG Sinha provided his idea of happiness wherein he gave us an example of our neighbouring country, Bhutan, which is ranked very high in the happiness index.
He said that “The right way to measure wealth is to measure happiness and not money”. He explained the benefits of yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices for students to maximize their overall performance that staying happy is the best prayer that anyone can offer to a god and is real idea of happiness.
The Center for Happiness acquires its name ‘Anandam’ from the Indian wisdom tradition where the pure consciousness is being as “anandam”. “Anandam” doesn’t aim for only happiness but knowing the truth, doing good and enjoying the beauty around. (PR)
