This International Happiness Day, We learnt about 'Happiness' from one of our own!

With 2020 being an unprecedented year, wellbeing has become more important than ever. This is the reason, why in 2021, International Happiness Day has become all the more relevant to everyone around the globe. Today, we live in a world wherein most places, growth is measured and linked with the economy. We grow only as much as we earn! But is that enough? Are our lives as big as our pockets? No! Our lives are as big and amazing as our smiles; our hearts; our emotional intelligence and our happiness.

 

 The UN recognized the importance of national happiness in line with national growth. The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution of July 2012 proclaimed 20th March as the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

It is a very fresh way to look at growth, probably something which was much important but least talked about. This gives us a chance to talk about Bhutan. A country which is known for its rich cultural heritage and mountainous beauty, in 1970s, adopted the concept of Gross National Happiness. With this Bhutan initiated a conversation, that the world now needs to join immediately.

 

It's a model that talks about human development as an index of growth. It’s both progressive yet complicated. To understand happiness the Bhutanese way, we reached out to one of our alumnus from Bhutan, Namgay Dorji. 

Dorji is a graduate from Jagran Lakecity University’s School of Law, 2015- 2020 batch. He has been very closely working with many social initiatives, some of which he has found himself. It was our time to learn from our student and that’s the reason why we interviewed him to understand Bhutan’s gift to the world,  ‘GNH’ and more.

Here is the interesting and much-needed conversation that we had with our Alumnus:

1. Please tell us what exactly is Gross National Happiness (GNH)?

As per the definition, GNH is a holistic and sustainable approach to development, which balances both material and spiritual values. A sacred gift of Bhutan’s king of Destiny, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk to the world. In the early 1970s His majesty said, “GNH is more important than GDP.” Wealth alone doesn’t contribute to satisfaction or happiness in life. His Majesty firmly believed that happiness is an indicator and a sign of progressive development not only for Bhutanese people but for the world.

However, there are 4 pillars identified to measure the GNH viz. Sustainable and Socio-economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Preservation, and Promotion of Culture and Good Governance.

 2. How, you think, development is linked with happiness and well-being in Bhutan?

 Happiness is a fundamental human goal and all actions are in pursuit of happiness. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, modernization, or cultural enhancement; physical growth should be in balance with mental wellbeing. For instance, no development can have a lasting impact if it means exploiting the limited resource for a short-term gain, and the world is learning this lesson a hard way. In the world of finite resources, modernization alone cannot supersede human wellbeing.

In the words of His Majesty the King, ‘GNH simply means development with values’. So any development should make prudent use of the resources and reduce the footprint of destruction and the same ideals are followed while making any policy decisions in Bhutan and the results are evident. 

3. It's quite interesting to know that Bhutan has a Gross National Happiness (GNH) Commission, what exactly is its role?

The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Commission is an Institution that promotes an enabling environment for all Bhutanese to be happy. Its mission is to steer national development towards promotion of happiness for all Bhutanese guided by the philosophy of GNH.

The main goals and objectives, as statutorily stipulated are, to guide and steer the integration of GNH principles in all policies and plans, while ensuring the effective delivery of Five Year Plan Key Results. It also, institutionalize a robust National Monitoring and Evaluation System

In addition to this, they mobilize adequate resources on a timely basis and ensure equitable and efficient allocation so that no one is left behind and monitor, facilitate, and coordinate implementation of policies, plans, and programs for effective delivery, with a robust feedback mechanism.  So, unlike what generally people believe the commission has a lot of substantial responsibilities to fulfill.

4. How does Bhutan measures the GNH Index?

 Bhutan calculates the GNH Index as a product of nine domainscircumventing around Physical and Psychological wellbeing, Education, time use, cultural diversity, good governance, and an adequate standard of living.

The Gross National Happiness Index is a single number index developed from the 33 indicators categorized under nine domains. The Centre for Bhutan Studies constructed the GNH Index using robust multidimensional methodology is known as Alkire-Foster method.

The four pillars have been further classified into nine domains in order to create a widespread understanding of GNH and to reflect the holistic range of GNH values.

 The nine domains are equally weighted because each domain is considered to be equal in terms of its intrinsic importance as a component of GNH. The 33 indicators are statistically reliable, are normatively important, and are easily understood by large audiences. Within each domain, two to four indicators were selected that seemed likely to remain informative across time, had high response rates, and were relatively uncorrelated. Within each domain, the objective indicators are given higher weights while the subjective and self-reported indicators are assigned far lighter weights.

 

5. According to you, what role does education play in making sure that the index is high?

 I believe education is the foundation of knowledge and wisdom. We give utmost importance to the education sector. For it is the very place where the young minds come together and important values are to be imparted which is going to guide them and their lives in the future. Only an educated mind can understand the need and importance of a GNH and strive to achieve better, year after year.

 Royal Government of Bhutan has started so many initiatives such as Green School activities and Educating for GNH policies. Likewise, equal importance is being given to cultural activities and value-based leanings.

6. What are the challenges that your country faces to keep the GNH Index high?

 Bhutan is a small nation with a smaller economy thus many challenges show up. More so, with new developments in the world after Covid-19. It is becoming harder to face those unexpected realities of life. However, we are blessed to have our dynamic and caring leader, everyone’s superhero and a true peoples’ king. His Majesty is always there to nurse the wounded, console the losses, building homes for the homeless, providing hope to the hopeless. So everything has been in good fortune and with zero positive cases of Covid 19 in the country. We are slowly bringing back normalcy. All thanks to His Majesty and the Royal Government of Bhutan. May His Majesty’s exemplary Leadership and Legacy of devotion to human development persevere with utmost honor and respect for all times to come.

7. After talking so much about your country, what is the message that you would like to give to anyone reading this?

 Well, on International Happiness Day, I wish you tons of happiness and express my gratitude for reading this. Like kindness begins with sharing, so does happiness. If you want to be happier, you got to care about other’s happiness too. Practice good habits that not only give happiness to yourself but also provide peace to the society you live in and maintain harmony in your beloved nation.

 The world can become a happier place only if we all perceive happiness as a collective goal and not just an individual responsibility. I’d suggest we should start practicing Loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy in every minute of every day and the world will itself be happier.

 8. Final question for you, what makes you happy?

For me there are so many sources of happiness. Being with my family and friends, poetry and singing, traveling and experiencing different lifestyles but above all Doing social work gives me utmost satisfaction and happiness.

While serving my schools as a school leader in various capacities I was too much into social campaigns. While at University, I initiated.The ‘DrinnChenn Scholarship (for the youth, by the youth)’ a Facebook group solely created to assist our younger brothers and sisters in winning a good scholarship and acquire quality education for life. I am also the founder of ‘Give a little, Make the difference’ a Facebook campaign aimed to clean, recycle and refurbish the used shoes and/clothes and distribute amongst the people who cannot afford proper clothing and footwear. For someone’s useless things could be someone else’s luxury.  Bridge for Brighter Bhutan; is a comprehensive training, networking, and mentorship process for today’s youth with the intention to provide adequate life skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

I keep myself occupied with the task of helping others and thus I find myself becoming happier day in and day out.

 We sure learned a lot about Bhutan and its socio-economic model from our alumnus Namgay Dorgi. We thank him for letting us know such interesting insights and personal experiences.  

As a university, we understand the power of a happy mind and through the International Happiness Day, we are trying to bring awareness around the idea of well-being induced happiness.  As this year’s theme for the day is ‘Happiness For All, Forever”, we, at Jagran Lakecity University pledge to contribute towards creating a healthier, safer, happier, and more growth-oriented environment at our campus to ensure our students and staff have a satisfying, peaceful, and stress-free time at the university. With this small determination, we wish you all happiness and abundance. Let’s together create a happy society for all, by all.

 

By: Communications Team, Jagran Lakecity University

PC: Online Sources (Not owned by JLU)

Jagran Lakecity University Commences Admissions for Session 2021

  

·  The university will offer scholarships across its 56 degree programs, worth over INR 1.5 crore
· The Admissions are subject to the JLU Entrance Test or scores of reputed National-level tests like CLAT, LSAT, and CAT, and more.

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Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), the leading and most awarded university of central India, has commenced the admissions for the academic session 2021-2022. With a resolute commitment to prepare the next generation leaders with extraordinary practical skills, the university is inviting applications for its 56 UGC approved UG & PG programs in various disciplines viz. Journalism, Law, Design, Entertainment and Events, Public Policy, Engineering, Hospitality, Management among others.  University has recently opened central India’s first and only school of entertainment and events called ‘Jagran-Wizcraft MIME School of Entertainment & Events’, where the upcoming session will be welcoming the 1^st batch of students.

The university has structured its courses as per the New Education Policy and has announced Five Faculties each of which caters to distinctive skills to nurture the new generation for the professional world. These Faculties are Faculty of Journalism and Creative Studies; Faculty of Law; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities; Faculty of Management and Commerce; Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology. 

The admissions this session are based on (but not restricted to) the results of the various national level entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CLAT, LSAT, and JEE 202. JLU will also conduct its own entrance test under the name JLUET for screening the candidates. JLUET will be conducted in three rounds this year, starting on 6th March 2021.

JLU will offer scholarships worth more than INR 1.5 crore to meritorious applicants across UG & PG Programs with a goal to improve equity in – and access to – quality education in India. As part of the scholarships offered for all the schools, the university will provide tuition fee waivers of 100%, 75%, and 50% to eligible students on the first year tuition fees. According to the university, this is one of the biggest scholarship programs in central India and is executed to reward students for showcasing excellence in academics or sports. For session 2020, a total of 1.3 cr worth of scholarships were awarded, which has been increased by 15% for the upcoming session.

Renowned academician and political analyst recently took charge as the Vice-Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University, Dr. Sandeep Shastri, assured, “Since its inception, Jagran Lakecity University has been promoting talent by enabling opportunities to students from all socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds across India. As we prepare to induct the next batch of students, we wanted to ensure that meritorious individuals continue to get the support that they deserve and need. The scholarships announced for our 2021-22 session are aligned with this vision and will provide our students with the springboard that they need to become experts in respective fields.”

The renowned Faculty of Law, under JLU, is a member of esteemed ‘Global Law Alliance’ at Law School Admissions Council (LSAC—India™ 2021). Under this membership, the applicant of LSAT—India™ 2021 with the highest score enrolled in JLU School of Law shall be awarded a scholarship totaling to the tuition fee for one academic year. To promote quality, access, and equity in legal education worldwide, LSAC Global in association with JLU, will offer two scholarships viz. ‘The LSAT—India™ 2021 Topper Scholarship’ and ‘The Shamnad Basheer Access to Justice Essay Scholarship’. The JLU School of Law takes LSAT scores under consideration as part of the admission process in BBA LLB (Hons), BA LLB (Hons), LLB, and LLM courses.

Jlu offers a world of opportunities and extensive academic resources that match the passion of students. The state of the art learning facilities gives the opportunities to grow professionally with skills that are interdisciplinary, global and make the students industry ready. According to JLU it is the right place to fulfill aspirations of the future professionals and thus has begun the admission campaign #JLUforAspirations.

Third national level SAARCLAW-JLU Moot Court successfully concludes at Jagran Lakecity University

 Moot Team from University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh stood victorious, total prize money disbursed worth INR 3.25 lakhs

 The Third SAARCLAW Moot court competition was successfully concluded at Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) on 28^thFebruary, with leading law colleges from across India participating. The current situation at the Indo-China Border, trade relations and growing international interference in Indian waters were the key points around which the mooting revolved. After an intense mooting battle and argumentation, two teams finally out of 28 participating colleges entered the final round to vie for winning prize money of INR 1.5 Lakhs.

The final bench of judges comprised of renowned names such as Hon’ble Justice Atul Shreedharan, Madhya Pradesh High Court, Hon’ble Justice Ved Prakash Sharma, Chairman of the State Law Commission of Madhya Pradesh, Prof. (Dr.) V. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor of NLIU Bhopal and Mr. C.S. Lodha, Senior Advocate and Managing Partner of C.S. Lodha Associates.

While the team of University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh emerged victorious, the team representing Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala came at the runners-up position. Rakshit Taneja of University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh was awarded as the best speaker while Arif Majruddin of Jamia Milia Islamia University was adjudged as the best researcher. Best memorial was given to the team NLIU, Bhopal. Total prize money of INR of INR 3.25 lakhs was disbursed during the tournament.

 

Keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, the entire three day event was virtually conducted by JLU, hosted under the seasoned purview of JLU’s Faculty of LAW.The inaugural ceremony of the event was graced by the presence of Shri Vivek K. Tankha, Member of Parliament and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India as the Chief Guest and Prof. (Dr.) Subir K. Bhatnagar, Vice Chancellor, Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow.  Representing Jagran Lakecity University at the inauguration were, Dr. Sandeep Shastri, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yogendra Srivastava, Dean – Faculty of Law and Prof. Vivek Khare, Registrar.

Shri Tankha in his inaugural address emphasized the challenges of the legal profession and nuances of virtual hearings during COVID-19 pandemic. He heartily complimented the University especially the faulty of law for organizing this highly coveted International Moot Court Competition virtually amid the crisis. Later, Prof. Bhatnagar shed light on the importance and relevance of moot court competitions and emphasized their role in the overall growth of law students. He stated examples of various judicial pronouncements and asserted that it is the efforts of hard-working lawyers that contribute to groundbreaking developments in law and jurisprudence.

 

Speaking at award ceremony, Prof. Yogendra Srivastava, Dean – Faculty of Law, JLU, said,“It is a great honour to receive the thanks from our guests who praised the efforts of Faculty of Law of Jagran Lakecity University. We are happy to keep the mooting tradition going especially during the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic and such esteemed individuals judging the exciting final lap of the competition, marked a historic day in the JLU Mooting history.”

An esteemed member of the Global Law Alliance, Jagran School of Law at JLU has made its name as one of the brightest lights in India’s legal academic ecosystem. For the 2021-22 session, Jagran School of Law will offer 30 scholarships to meritorious applicants based on their LSAT scores, with a view to improve equity in – and access to – legal education for students across India.