DU college offers happiness course; toppers to train in Europe
Following the footsteps of Delhi government's happiness curriculum for its government schools, Ramanujan College, which is under University of Delhi, is all set to teach its first batch of happiness classes. Not only is the course free and open to all students, its four top-performing students will also be sent to Europe for further training (also free of cost). Here is more.
Course to teach students about underlying causes of stress
According to The Indian Express, the college has already shortlisted 45 students for the course. The course has been designed to teach them how to identify the underlying causes of stress, and to eliminate them. It is a six-month-long certificate course offered through the School of Happiness of the college, which was started under the Centre for Ethics and Value last year.
"Current generation is prone to wrong-doings, anger, and stress"
Program coordinator Nidhi Mathur told TIE, "Students will be given training in personality development, yoga, meditation, life and communication skills, etc. These skills are needed for the current generation, who often are prone to wrong-doings, anger, and stress." Mathur added, "The basic concept of the course is that we do not have ready-made happiness and one has to continuously create it."
Toppers to participate in exchange program with Austria-based school
Mathur added, "Four top-performing students will be sent for further training for an exchange program with the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI), an Austria-based entrepreneurial school. No fee will be charged. The students will be assessed based on their performance including project-work, community service, and attendance."
Here's how students were shortlisted for the program
However, getting into the course wasn't an easy task. Out of the 150 applications, some shortlisted candidates were called for panel interviews, where they were quizzed on their concepts of happiness, after which 45 students were selected. Maintaining a good attendance would not be any easier either, as the classes will be held from 8-9 am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Orientation for course was held on August 5
TIE reported that on August 5, the orientation for the course was held where the principles of Sahaj Yoga and FLAG (Forgiveness, Loving heart, Appreciating mind and Gratitude) were imparted onto the students. Renowned psychologists also held a panel discussion for them.
Faculty received training on happiness, curriculum created based on responses
Since the subject at hand is a bit abstruse, faculty members were also trained. The teachers were asked about what their concept of happiness was, and based on their feedback, and expert responses, the curriculum was created. However, since there's no benchmark of happiness, the faculty would observe the students' behavior, who are taking the course against those who aren't, Mathur pointed out.
