PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Uttarakhand’s innovative initiative, ‘Happiness curriculum’ ( Anandam Pathyacharya) received praise from the experts during the Social Outcomes Conference held at Oxford University, London on September 3 and 4. The presentation on the curriculum was delivered by the staff officer, Samagra Shiksha, department of Education, Bhagwati Prasad Maindoli in the conference’s special session, “What does education system transformation look like from inside the Government?”
Informing about the Happiness curriculum, launched by the Uttarakhand government in 2019, Maindoli said its goal is to foster an environment in schools where children, along with subject knowledge, learn to understand themselves and others, develop empathy and recognize their emotions.
“Under Anandam, the first 30–35 minutes of the school day are dedicated to children’s social-emotional development. This begins with mindfulness, followed by storytelling and interactive activities that provide children with opportunities to understand various social and emotional situations. Finally, through expression, children express their thoughts and feelings,’’ he explained.
Maindoli claimed that Anandam has brought positive changes in children’s focus, empathy and relationship-building. He said that positive effects have also been observed in teachers’ classroom management.
He said that Anandam Pathacharya currently reaches approximately 16,000 schools, 30,000 teachers and nearly 200,000 students. Uttarakhand’s PM Shri schools are also focusing on strengthening social, emotional, and ethical learning and building teacher capacity.
Maindoli averred that Anandam’s success is not the result of any one individual or organization. The continued support of the State government, strong policy commitment and dedicated teachers play a crucial role. He added that change in the education system is not limited to just creating policies or implementing plans on a large scale. Real change happens when policies reach schools and classrooms and teachers translate them into meaningful change in children’s lives.
