The center will initially focus on positive psychology, mindfulness, resilience, well-being, and workplace happiness.
Published Apr 06, 2025 | 2:37 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 06, 2025 | 2:37 PM
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Synopsis: IIT-M signed an MoU with Rekhi Foundation for Happiness to set up a centre to integrate happiness studies into the academic curriculum while advancing research and education in the science of happiness.
The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras has joined hands with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, a not-for-profit organisation, to establish a Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness.
The center, housed within the Department of Management Studies (DoMS), will integrate happiness studies into the academic curriculum while advancing research and education in the science of happiness.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the collaboration was signed on 24 March by Dr Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, and Prof M Thenmozhi, Head, DoMS, IIT-M, in the presence of Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT-M, Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (IC&SR), IIT-M, Prof. Rupashree Baral, Prof. Srinivasan S., and others.
The initiative underscores IIT-M’s commitment to holistic learning by placing well-being at the core of education. The center will design and deliver courses that encourage students to cultivate positivity, develop emotional resilience, and lead purposeful lives.
Additionally, a dedicated Mind Lab will be set up, equipped with cutting-edge tools for hands-on learning experiences.
“The objective of this initiative should be to cultivate an ideal student-faculty environment, reinforcing the idea that true learning and holistic personal growth extend beyond academic scores,” Prof. Kamakoti said.
Dr. Rekhi emphasised the benefits of a positive mindset. “Happy people are more successful. Whatever one does unhappily, they can do better happily.” He also spoke about the “Monkey Brain”—a restless, anxious mind that leads to stress and unhappiness,” he said.
The center will focus on research, education, and outreach programmes aimed at understanding and promoting happiness through scientific and philosophical approaches. It is expected to introduce innovative methodologies to enhance well-being both within the IIT-M community and beyond.
The center will initially focus on positive psychology, mindfulness, resilience, well-being, and workplace happiness.
Future research topics will expand to related areas, supporting academic programs, workshops, and outreach activities to develop practical tools and methodologies for happiness science.
Through this collaboration, IIT-M is taking a significant step toward redefining education, ensuring that students receive not only academic excellence but also the knowledge and skills to lead happier, more fulfilling lives, according to a press release.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
