Team News Riveting
Bhopal, August 23
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that it was important to educate today’s youth about the lives of exemplary individuals and historical figures from Indian culture.
He instructed to formulate a plan to conduct activities in co-ordination with other departments to achieve this goal. Yadav directed the Anand Department (department of happiness) to ensure that published works on these cultural icons are easily accessible to students in schools and colleges.
Citing the life of Lord Shri Krishna, he pointed out that Krishna dedicated himself to the welfare of the world until his ultimate goals were realized, with his family member’s also making sacrifices for the happiness of others. Yadav noted that history is replete with unique examples of people who sacrificed their lives and happiness for the well-being of others. He stressed the need to bring these significant chapters and incidents from history to the attention of the present generation.
The Chief Minister reviewed the Anand Department and Rajya Anand Sansthan at the Mantralaya today. He emphasized on the need to assess the scale of happiness through a study conducted in collaboration with a higher education institution or an IIT within the state. Yadav also proposed that every district should have a dedicated center or building for ideological and creative activities, with the involvement of the Urban Development Department. He specified that this building should be distinct from Manglik Bhavan and serve as a venue for creative programmes involving both the city’s intelligentsia and the general public.
Yadav emphasized that the Anand Department should collaborate with institutions such as the Sports Department, School and Higher Education Departments, and Jan Abhiyan Parishad to carry out its activities. He stated that the lives of citizens should be both materially prosperous and joyful, noting that a peaceful individual contributes to the development of a happy and prosperous society. Dr. Yadav urged the Anand Department to coordinate with various departments to promote a sense of joy across the state.
Yadav suggested that the Anand Department could also incorporate services for the elderly into its work. Specifically, efforts could be made to connect seniors over the age of 75 with various insurance schemes and to assist them in accessing healthcare services or treatment at hospitals.
He noted that in some cities, social organizations are already providing spectacles to the elderly after conducting eye tests. He suggested that similar initiatives aimed at enhancing individual well-being should be studied and documented, so that these successful social programmes can be replicated in other urban areas.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Higher Education Department, through various colleges, has undertaken the initiative of adopting villages, with approximately 2,000 villages identified across the state. In these villages, both National Service Scheme participants and other general students engage in service activities. He emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts.
It was told in the meeting that the the department has prepared a plan for stress relief and training in joyful behavior. Gram Panchayat Secretary, Employment Assistant, Patwari, Municipal Corporation and Municipality employees and policemen will be included in this.
The department is working to develop Anand Gram. On a pilot basis, such villages, where the spirit of goodwill, brotherhood, mutual cooperation and happiness are prominent, will be brought forward as examples.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Anand Department in Madhya Pradesh has organized 3,334 programs including online Alpaviram programmes witnessing participation from over 17,000 individuals. Additionally, more than 560 Anand Clubs are registered across the state, actively involved in various initiatives. These include self-defense training for girls, blood donation drives, food and material donations, disaster relief, and efforts in education, environment, and cleanliness. The clubs have also worked to assist and treat the destitute.
Government servants of Madhya Pradesh take part every year in the Anand Camp at Art of Living Bengaluru, Initiative of Change Panchgani, Isha Foundation Coimbatore, and Heartfulness Sanstha Hyderabad. Besides, a 6-week online Anand course is also being conducted. Anand Utsav is organized every year from 14 to 28 January, in which about 20 lakh people have participated.
Additional Chief Secretary Chief Minister’s Office Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Principal Secretary School Education and Happiness Department Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami and other concerned senior officers were present in the meeting.
