The International Day of Happiness, celebrated globally on 20th March, is an important occasion that emphasizes the significance of happiness, emotional well-being, and positive human relationships in our everyday lives. Recognized by the United Nations, the day serves as a
reminder that happiness and well-being are universal goals and aspirations shared by people across cultures and communities. It highlights the importance of creating environments that promote compassion, gratitude, empathy, and collective well-being. In educational institutions, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, fostering a culture of appreciation and mutual respect becomes particularly meaningful. Universities function through the collective effort of numerous individuals and service centres that work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the institution runs smoothly every day. From administrative and maintenance teams to support services and campus centres, these individuals contribute significantly to the overall functioning and well-being of the university community. In observance of this day, the Centre for Counselling & Health Services (CCHS) is organizing a campus-wide initiative that focuses on expressing gratitude and appreciation to those who play an integral role in building and sustaining the university environment. The initiative aims to acknowledge the dedication, effort, and often unseen contributions of various service providers and centres on campus who help create a supportive and functional institutional ecosystem. As part of this initiative, counsellors will visit different centres across the campus and offer messages of appreciation, including short reflective notes and poems, to express gratitude to individuals who serve the university community with commitment and care. These interactions are intended to create meaningful moments of recognition and connection.
In addition to in-person expressions of gratitude, online gratitude cards will also be shared with various centres and service providers across campus. These digital gestures of appreciation will further extend the spirit of the initiative and ensure that the contributions of these individuals are recognized and celebrated. Through this event, the Centre for Counselling & Health Services hopes to encourage the university community to cultivate a culture of gratitude and mindfulness toward the people whose daily efforts contribute to the collective well-being of the institution. By recognizing and appreciating these contributions, the initiative seeks to reinforce the importance of kindness, acknowledgment, and positive human connection in creating a happier and more supportive campus environment.