International Happiness Day 2024
Today’s world has reached a stage where people have to search for happiness. Everyone is so busy that they have almost forgotten how to stay happy.
In the context of happiness, Rabindranath Tagore rightly said, “Happiness is that which helps you enjoy life.” This is absolutely true only a happy person can truly enjoy even the smallest moments of life.
A famous poet once said, “Happiness never ends unless you want it to.” This statement is also true, because if you wish to stay happy, you can find joy even in the smallest of things.
Happiness does not end because of someone else, nor does it have boundaries. Situations may bring temporary sadness, but even then, a person can find reasons to smile.
Understanding the importance of happiness in life, the United Nations declared that happiness should be considered one of our fundamental rights. As a result, on 20 March 2012, the United Nations announced the celebration of World Happiness Day, and on 20 March 2013, it was celebrated for the first time.
The theme for International Happiness Day 2024 was:
“Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities.”
Celebration of International Happiness Day by SK Vision Foundation
SK Vision Foundation is a non-governmental organization working for social welfare for more than four years. The foundation continuously strives to achieve its core objectives, which include creating a drug free society, promoting education among minorities, and raising health awareness among the needy.
As part of these efforts, the foundation has conducted various competitions, health check-ups, and digital awareness programs for children.
To further this mission, the foundation celebrated International Happiness Day on 20 March 2024. This year, the organization decided to celebrate the day with special (differently-abled) children.
The celebration took place at Anukriti Special School, located in Dilshad Garden, where the foundation aimed to bring joy to these special children.
Activities Conducted During the Event
The event combined music and games to entertain the children. Music was played, and a ball was passed among the children.
Whoever had the ball when the music stopped had to perform an activity of their choice. Some children danced, some sang songs, while others recited poems.
At the end of the program, lunch boxes and food items were distributed to all the children, marking a joyful conclusion to the day.
The main objective of the foundation was to bring happiness to children who are mentally challenged, helping them recognize their abilities and express their talents. The children participated enthusiastically and supported the event wholeheartedly.
History and Significance of International Happiness Day
As mentioned earlier, International Happiness Day was declared by the United Nations in 2012 and was first celebrated on 20 March 2013.
Its primary purpose is to highlight the importance of happiness, something many people tend to forget due to their busy lives.
Significance of International Happiness Day
- Establishing happiness as a fundamental human right.
- Making people aware of the importance of staying happy.
- Highlighting how happiness contributes to mental well-being.
- Encouraging positivity through joyful living.
- Demonstrating that happiness protects us from issues like depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor mental health.