In a world where we need more reasons to be happy, International Day of Happiness gives us one. It is not only a day to recognise the importance of happiness in people’s lives, but also a movement to create a happier and more amazing world.

Recognised by all 193 United Nations member states, International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20 every year. It is a much-needed shift now recognised by all that ‘progress’ should also be about enhancing human happiness and wellbeing, and not just about growing the economy. Its direct impact is that most of the countries/states are introducing their Ministries of Happiness, inspired by Bhutan. The main objective of this ministry is to align and drive government policies to create social good and satisfaction. In India, Madhya Pradesh became the first state to set up a happiness department.

While the governments and international authorities are doing their bit in making the world a happier place, the onus lies on us too, as individuals as well as the society. While there can be a million ways to spread happiness, we can start with focusing on few simple selfless acts that can give immense happiness to the society. Here are 5 things that we can start doing right now to begin a movement of world happiness.

1. Volunteer, whenever you can
The more we give, the happier we feel. And volunteering for the happiness of others does exactly that! An act of selfless volunteering can be as simple as assisting at an old-age home, in cleaning drives, planting a tree, or helping at schools for special children. It will bring the sense of achievement and contentment to you and the sense of belongingness to those you are volunteering for.
2. Donate, whatever you can
You will wonder how much joy and happiness a simple act of generosity can bring! The best thing about donating something is that it can be as simple as what/how much one can afford. You can donate clothes, food, blanket, blood or some money.
3. Preserve the environment, in every way you can
Trees make us happy. Yes, it is proved by a major study in the UK as well. According to the study conducted with 10,000 citizens, the greener the neighbourhood, the happier the people reported they were. Need we say more?
4. Become an organ donor, while you can
It is said that one organ donor can potentially save up to eight lives just by donating his/her organ(s). Think of it as saving eight families. Imagine all that happiness and gratitude you will cause even after leaving this world!
5. Smile, with all the honesty you can
A smile can work wonders. Researches show that smile is contagious. They also suggest that happy people influence those closest to them and provide a boost of good energy, smiles and laughter. So next time you want to spread happiness without doing much, how about smiling at a stranger?

It is quite commendable that several world leaders and organisations are finally talking about the ultimate purpose of life other than issues related to economy and technology. Corporates too must come forward to contribute towards making this world a better place. We, at The Ponty Chadha Foundation (PCF), are doing all we can to spread more happiness around while catering to various social causes.

The Sardar Kulwant Singh Chadha Skills Academy aims to enhance underprivileged youth employability. For this, the academy imparts training in various fields like security services and facilities management/hospitality and construction. Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN) works towards providing equal learning opportunities to the differently-abled children. The institution is the largest of its kind in Asia with more than 800 children enrolled. Apart from this, PCF has partnered with the India Food Banking Network (IFBN) to ensure food security of the needy. With an aim to ensure a healthier and happier community, The Ponty Chadha Foundation regularly organises free diagnostic health check-up camps for various village and sub-urban communities.

This International Day of Happiness, let’s all pledge to contribute to the best of our abilities towards making the world around us a better and happier place.