The source of ‘Happiness’ is a notoriously elusive concept. When the causative reason is asked, we adults often introspect, delve deep into our minds, carefully choose the right words from the vast expanse of vocabulary, and then slowly begin to answer. Paradoxically, from another group, this question took less than few minutes and without inhibition poured multiple choices. As my quest commenced with children in the age group of five to fifteen years, their answers were a revelation. Sharing, spending time with family or like the seven year-old happy-go-lucky Niki said ‘Everything’. The small joys extended beyond the things which money could acquire and were long-lasting. For me, it was a moment of exhilaration and hope that there lies a young generation who will be ‘truly happy adults’ one day.
Oviya, a twelve year-old said, “Happy is a feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Various moments, objects or people make me happy in this world as it’s easy for me to feel pleasured. My top three people, hobbies and objects which are bound to make me feel happy are my family/friends, playing soccer and reading books. The reason why I like to spend time with family is because they make me feel loved and make me feel at home with their warm welcoming questions or talks. My friends make me feel happy as they can relate to me and together we come up with hilarious inside jokes. Playing soccer has given me this sudden rush of happiness while I play with technique and skill. Well, books literally welcome me to a new world full of adventure which seems to be my form of happiness.
While Akshay said playing with Lego, cycling and reading story books, his little brother Arnav was quick to add – reading books, drawing, making paper crafts makes him happy.
This heart-touching quote can sum up happiness and sharing: “Try to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment."- Sydney Smith .
And her little brother Vishva added – Spending time with the family, Playing video games, Helping friends, Winning a game, Sharing and Making someone smile. These things make me happy.
While Akshay said playing with Lego, cycling and reading story books, his little brother Arnav was quick to add – reading books, drawing, making paper crafts makes him happy.
