Spreading happiness as a career choice

Ranjan K Baruah *

We have seen many progresses and changes in the society but still we strive for happiness. It seems that happiness has become one of the costliest things to get but we must know that it is free of cost. Career avenues related to happiness may vary from place to place and region to region and we shall explore a few avenues in today’s edition.

Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.

The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

It also recognized the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples.

The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country which recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product. It also hosted a High Level Meeting on "Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm" during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly.

International Day of Happiness is a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.

UNESCO’s Happy Schools Project was begun in 2014 by UNESCO Bangkok; the Happy Schools Project offers an alternative approach to improving learning experiences by prioritizing school happiness. By focusing on well-being, engagement, and sense of belonging at school, the Happy Schools Project helps foster a lifelong love of learning.

In 2022, a guide and toolkit were developed. The Happy Schools Project is going global with its advocacy for prioritizing well-being and happiness in schools, with renewed focus on bettering learning experiences.

Before spreading happiness we must follow our passion to be happy in life because we can spread happiness when we are happy. Profession may be working in the development sector to improve basic amenities in life to becoming a motivational speaker or even stand up comedian. There are people who can act well and bring happiness amongst people through their dramatic and acting skills.

One needs to be confident enough in his or her job to spread happiness . Following the passion with strategic career planning is important to be happy and also spread happiness. We should be aware that there are many career options but we must know and learn how to spread happiness.

There are projects in academic institutions and communities that involve experts for happiness. Together we can be happy and spread happiness so let us choose any career based on our passion and follow it to bring success and happiness.