In Quest of Joy : Shivraj Singh Chouhan

I often wonder why despite unprecedented growth in material prosperity and means of comfort in the world happiness continues to elude it? What explains the ever growing intolerance, violence, despair, depression?

On deep reflection I felt that material prosperity and facilities can provide us creature comforts but not the bliss, which is something very sublime. The sages and seers in our country having practiced severe austerity and deep contemplation introduced us to Yoga and meditation. They preached that happiness lies within and should not be sought in things outside. Envy, anger, animosity, egotism impedes natural flow of joy that emanates from within. The philosophy of Nishkam Karmayoga or detached action does not let despondency enter our lives. We need to understand philosophy of Advait. It is single consciousness that permeates the entire universe. If we can bring this consciousness in our living experience, much of the vices affecting human kind will cease to exist. Harmony, love and empathy would become the natural waves of our lives. This is the essence of Indian wisdom.

Let us look at how other countries are dealing with the issue of happiness In quest of happiness, Bhutan introduced a National Happiness Index way back in the 70s. Recently, UAE set up a Ministry of Happiness. UN is also working consistently towards developing indices of happiness. In Bhutan psychological well-being, good health, education, good use of time, cultural diversity and harmony, good governance, community participation, natural diversity and living standards are taken into account to assess the state of joy.

The International Management Institute, USA, has adopted the concept of Gross National Wellness. This includes mental and emotional wellness, physical health, work and income, social relations, economic progress and leisure and environs. The UN has included per capita gross domestic product, healthy long life, mutual cooperation and trust, freedom of taking decision and generosity as parameters.

The concept of happiness that we aspire to pursue in Madhya Pradesh will primarily be based on time tested Indian wisdom. The indices that determine national growth and also experiences of other countries will also be borne in mind when we develop our strategies and action plans.

We in Madhya Pradesh have established a separate Anand Department and State Anand Sansthan set up under its aegis. This is a unique initiative – first of its kind in the country which would shoulder responsibility of developing the aforementioned parameters.

I understand that Government apparatus   has its own strengths and limitations. Using it for spreading joy in society has its own challenges. Nevertheless a collective effort of society and Government can definitely create enabling environment. A framework which would coordinate and synergize our endeavour to achieve the ultimate aim of experiencing a joyful life can surely be developed. I am sure this initiative will go a long way in serving the people in their quest of happiness.