A three-day Happiness Programme aimed at promoting mental wellness and emotional balance among teachers was launched at the Teachers’ Home on VIP Road in Sri Vijaya Puram. The initiative is being organised by the Directorate of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with The Art of Living, as part of efforts to support the well-being of educators.
The programme commenced on January 22 and is scheduled to continue until January 24, 2026. Sessions are being held in the early morning hours from 5 am to 7 am, allowing participating teachers to engage in the programme before the start of their regular professional responsibilities.
The launch of the programme reflects increasing institutional focus on mental health and stress management in the education sector. Teachers from various schools across the islands have enrolled in the initiative, with around 50 educators actively participating in the sessions.
The programme focuses on techniques aimed at enhancing mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. A key component of the sessions is the practice of Sudarshan Kriya, a structured breathing technique promoted by The Art of Living as a method for stress reduction and improved mental balance.
The sessions are being conducted under the guidance of trained instructors associated with The Art of Living. The structured format of the programme is designed to introduce participants to wellness practices that can be incorporated into daily life, both personally and professionally.
The initiative was formally inaugurated with emphasis on the importance of mental wellness in improving workplace effectiveness. The role of a positive mindset and emotional balance in enabling teachers to perform their duties more effectively was highlighted during the launch.
The programme also reflects broader efforts by the Education Directorate to support teachers beyond academic and administrative functions. By addressing stress management and mental well-being, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and resilient teaching workforce.
Participants attending the programme represent a cross-section of schools, indicating wide interest in wellness initiatives among educators. The early morning schedule has been designed to encourage disciplined participation while minimising disruption to regular school activities.
Wellness programmes such as this are increasingly being recognised as important tools for improving job satisfaction and performance in the education sector. Teachers often face demanding workloads and responsibilities, making structured mental health support initiatives particularly relevant.
The Happiness Programme is expected to conclude on January 24, with participants completing the full three-day schedule of guided sessions. The collaboration with The Art of Living brings an established wellness framework into the institutional setting, offering educators exposure to structured stress-management practices.
The initiative marks another step towards integrating mental health awareness into professional development programmes within the Andaman and Nicobar education system. By focusing on emotional well-being alongside professional competence, the programme seeks to support teachers in maintaining balance and effectiveness in their roles.
