“NLU Odisha organised a webinar on the occasion of World Happiness Day, on ‘Sparking Happiness for Self-Growth’. “
On 20th March 2023, the Health & Wellness Committee of National Law University Odisha organised a webinar session in collaboration with YourDost on the occasion of World Happiness Day, on the theme ‘“Sparking Happiness for Self-Growth”, conducted by Ms. Sailee B. Rupani.
BACKGROUND
World Happiness Day recognizes the importance of happiness in people’s lives and promote the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, and it is observed in countries all around the world. The importance of World Happiness Day lies in its ability to raise awareness about the significance of happiness in our daily lives. By promoting happiness and well-being, we can create a more positive and harmonious society. Additionally, the day provides an opportunity to reflect on the factors that contribute to happiness, such as good health, strong social connections, a sense of purpose, and financial security.?/p>
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Ms. Sailee B. Rupani is a senior psychologist,?/strong>and she has completed her Masters in Applied Psychology (Specialization Clinical), trained in basic level of EMDR & 2 levels of somatic psychology. She has also completed her Advance Diploma in Counselling from Prafulta and has a certification in Narrative Therapy and is POSH certified.?She has extensive experience and has handled cases of anxiety, depression, personality disorders, confidence problems, adjustment issues, self-esteem, trauma, and enmeshment & attachment styles issues. Her approaches are usually a mix of thought-based therapies like “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy” and “Solution Focused Therapy”, along with an “Intersectionalist Feminist approach” for clients going through abuse along with “Narrative therapy”.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The event started with the Convenor of the Health & Wellness Committee, Ms. Muskaan and the representative for YourDost greeting the student body attending the session, and introducing Ms. Sailee.
Ms. Sailee conducted the session with an interactive approach throughout, starting off with asking everyone to pause and reflect on the things that make them happy. The purpose of this exercise, she explained, was to recognize the activities or things that make each person happy, and how important it is to indulge in them quite often for the sake of one’s good mental health. Some students shared their responses, either by speaking, or in the chat.
Ms. Sailee followed it with a “values” exercise, wherein she asked the students to identify the most difficult decision they have made in their lives, and whether it ultimately brought them happiness. She also asked students to identify the values which were the source of their decision-making for attaining happiness. Some students shared their responses, either by speaking, or in the chat.
The session was very engaging, as many students openly spoke about how often they should prioritise their happiness, how it is important for overall well-being and quality of life. Ms. Sailee explained how when we prioritize our happiness, we are more likely to take care of ourselves, pursue activities that bring us joy, and foster positive relationships with others, however, not at the expense of others. She stressed on the importance of finding a balance between our own happiness and the needs and well-being of those around us. She also acknowledged that happiness is not a constant state, and it is natural to experience a range of emotions throughout life. Therefore, prioritizing our happiness means acknowledging and accepting the full range of emotions we experience, rather than striving for a constant state of happiness.
On this note, the session was concluded, and the representative for YourDost and Ms. Muskaan delivered the vote of thanks. All the students present also thanked Ms. Sailee for conducting such an engaging and self-awakening session, as a ringing reminder for prioritising happiness more often in one’s life.