* Important Announcement
In the world wide spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is not wise to call the international delegates for the present conference in the scheduled time. Hence, it has been deffered till further notice. We appreaciate your patience. Please stay tuned for further updates.


RUSA 2.0 Sponsored Two-Day International Seminar on

"Happiness in Global South: Buddha to Rabindranath"

Seminar Timing: March 20-21, 2020
Event Address: 188, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur University Main Campus
Contact us at 03324572347 / 8240527223 / 8240808584 or cscdwju.2019@gmail.com

About the Theme

Happiness is a very important element for human existence. What do we really look for in our eternal quest for happiness? It is neither fully materialistic, nor absolutely spiritual. It is believed to be a state of wellbeing characterized by emotions ranging from joy to contentment. Happiness does matter in our journey along the path of life. It leads to a wide-range of benefits in health, relationships and many more.  It helps people live better life, and create a society productive, healthy and cohesive. Aristotle says: ‘Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole end and aim of human existence.’

The search for happiness has always been there since the dawn of human civilization. Times have changed, but the quest is on. Great minds down the centuries have come up with different ways and means for the fulfilment of our desire for happiness.  In Buddhist teachings, happiness forms a central theme --- from suffering to Nirvana, a state of everlasting peace. Buddhism underscores kindness and compassion as the key to welfare and happiness. In modern world, Rabindranath ushered in a new message of happiness. He says, ‘Man’s abiding happiness is not in getting anything but in giving himself up to what is greater than himself, to ideas that are larger than his individual life, the idea of humanity’.  In one of his famous poems ‘The Miser’, he substantiates the idea so succinctly.  Perhaps, he strikes the right cord, when Tagore declares that ‘it is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple’.

Since 2012, the United Nations declared March 20 to be observed as the International day of happiness to recognize the importance of happiness in lives of people around the world. This day recognizes that happiness is the human right and pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations aims to focus attention across the globe on the idea that economic growth must be intrusive, equitable and balanced so that it promotes sustainable development and alleviate poverty. In order to attain global happiness economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental well-being.

Sub-themes

1. Philosophical perspectives of Happiness.
2. Economy and Happiness.
3. Buddhist quest for Happiness.
4. Happiness in Tagore literature.
5. Philosophy of Tagore and Joy and Happiness.
6. Measurement of Happiness.
7. Happiness and Wellbeing.
8. Idea of Happiness –then and now.
9. Joy & Good life: Tagore's view
10. Is Happiness A Utopia?
11.  Road to Happiness in the modern world.
12. Mindfulness and happiness
13. Positive Psychology – science of happiness
14. Vipassana and Happiness
15.  Happiness and subjective well being