DU’s Science of Happiness course crosses 2,000 enrolments, expands to 17 colleges

The University of Delhi’s “Science of Happiness” course has attracted more than 2,000 students within two years of its launch and is now being offered across 17 colleges and one university department, officials said on July 15.

The course’s progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, where principals and representatives from participating institutions discussed their experiences and the impact of the value-added program.

Expressing satisfaction with the response, Singh said happiness is one of the biggest achievements in life and can be developed through positive thinking, compassion, and contributing to the well-being of others.

“The world is a wonderful place; if you do good, good things will happen,” the vice chancellor said.

According to the university, colleges offering the course have reported positive responses from students, with several institutions highlighting its benefits in improving awareness and emotional well-being among learners.

Singh noted that while courses focusing on happiness and mental well-being were not common earlier, changing social conditions have increased their importance in educational institutions.

He also highlighted drug abuse as a growing concern among young people and called for expanding the university’s “drug-free campus” campaign, which was launched by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. Singh suggested that the Patel Chest Institute could also play a role in supporting the initiative.

During the meeting, representatives from Miranda House and Daulat Ram College informed that they had established “Mind Labs” to facilitate teaching and research related to the course. Other colleges are also planning to develop similar facilities.

The university introduced the course after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness in March 2024 to establish the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness. The initiative led to the launch of the value-added course focused on happiness studies.

Dean of Academic Affairs K Ratnabali said the one-semester course is currently available during the first four undergraduate semesters and is also offered through the Department of Psychology.

She added that the university is exploring the possibility of introducing it as a skill-based paper at the postgraduate level in the future.

The course is currently being offered by the Department of Psychology and 17 colleges, including Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Hindu College, Hansraj College, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Gargi College, Daulat Ram College, Jesus and Mary College, Kirori Mal College, and Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, among others.