Happiness classes are taking over elementary schools across India.
Filmmaker Samina Mishra came to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Friday to show that she worked with multiple private schools across India documenting how kids react when they discover what makes them happy. The teachers build on it, teaching them ways to find happiness when they are stressed.
Her documentary, “The Incredible Child,” shows elementary school children from across the world in the same classrooms who don’t see happiness in the same things.
“You can’t have one version of happiness,” Mishra said,
There are four pillars in the Happiness Curriculum: mindfulness, storytelling, activities and reflections. As the children learn to focus on the pillars, they become more aware of their surroundings.
The education system in India is quite competitive, Mishra said, causing the students to become stressed about their grades. They are taught breathing exercises to help diminish the stress.
Happy Classes are designated times during the academic day where the students are spending time focusing on aspects of their lives that make them happy and participate in fun activities.
“It’s creating space for happiness,” said Marufa Bhuiyan, a spectator.
Mishra’s film, “Happiness Class,” is available on YouTube.