The Delhi government launched 'Happiness Curriculum', which includes meditation, value education and mental exercises, for its nursery-class VIII students on July 2.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal termed 'Happiness curriculum' as the third stage of reforms in education sector initiated by his government after focusing on infrastructure development and motivation of teachers at the government schools. He said that there was a need to overhaul the present education system that has not been able to produce good human being and the curriculum was a solid step towards this aim.

The curriculum will involve a 'happiness' period of 45 minutes for all students studying in nursery-class VIII at all Delhi government schools. Each class will begin with a five minute meditation practice. The curriculum was designed and prepared by a team of 40 Delhi government teachers, educators and volunteers over a period of six months.

Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who graced the occasion said: “Only India has the ability to combine modern education with ancient knowledge which is necessary for fulfilment of human emotions. Such a combination will pave way for physical and mental well being, solving troubles caused due to negative and destructive emotions like anger, hatred and jealousy.”

"The effect of this involving 10 lakh students and around 50,000 teachers can be imagined. It is our belief that the modern day problems like terrorism, corruption and pollution can be solved through schools and a human centric education," Manish Sisodia, deputy chief minister and incharge of education department, said.