Science of Living vs Happiness Curriculum: What's really changed in Delhi schools?

India Today

19-06-2025

Delhi's government schools are witnessing a significant shift in their approach to student emotional well-being and life skills education. The much-talked-about Happiness Curriculum is making way for the Science of Living -- a more comprehensive framework that educators are calling a timely upgrade for the digital age.The transition from the Happiness Curriculum to the Science of Living represents more than just a name change. According to Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, the Science of Living is "a more holistic upgrade to the Happiness Curriculum". She emphasises that this new approach addresses the real challenges students face today, particularly in our hyper-digital world.advertisement"It isn't about just making the students feel happy for a while, but about equipping them with life tools for emotional equilibrium, better interpersonal skills, and increased concentration," explains Dr. Kapur.NEW CURRICULUM FROM AUGUST
From August, classrooms in Delhi's government schools will start to look and feel different. Along with regular subjects like maths and grammar, students will now learn how to breathe deeply, take care of older people, and spend less time on screens.The Delhi government announced this new change on June 5, 2025, as part of a new programme called the Science of Living. It brings a fresh way of teaching that focuses not just on studies, but also on helping students become more balanced and mindful.The programme is based on ancient Indian ideas like panch kosha (which talks about five parts of a person – body, mind, energy, wisdom, and joy) and panch tantra stories. It also includes important life skills that students need in today's world.advertisementChildren will take part in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. They will also learn how to handle their emotions, understand right and wrong, and show care for others. The aim is to help students grow into calm, kind, and thoughtful individuals, ready to face life with confidence.There are a few key differences in the two curricula:Happiness curriculum: Primarily centred on creating moments of joy and basic emotional awarenessScience of Living: Addresses specific modern challenges like screen dependency, emotional fatigue, and heightened stress levelsSanamdeep Chadha, Education Reformist and Director of Genesis Global School, Noida, highlights a crucial distinction: "Compared to the Happiness Curriculum, it offers deeper structure and greater potential for lasting internalisation of values".SCIENCE OF LIVING CURRICULUMThe Science of Living curriculum incorporates:Digital detox practicesMindfulness and meditation techniquesValue-driven discussionsEmotional regulation strategiesMind-body connection through yogic practicesThe new approach promises a few tangible benefits:Reduced student anxiety through meditation and yoga practicesImproved classroom focus via digital detox and mindfulnessBetter interpersonal relationships through emotional regulationEnhanced academic performance as a natural outcome of improved mental clarity.ADDRESSING DIGITAL AGE CHALLENGESOne of the most significant upgrades is the new curriculum's focus on digital wellness. The Science of Living specifically tackles issues that weren't as prevalent when the Happiness Curriculum was introduced, such as:advertisementScreen dependency managementDigital detox practices that provide mental reset and reduce stressImproved focus through reduced constant screen exposure"Digital detox, yoga, and meditation offer students the mental clarity and emotional balance they often lack in a hyper-digital world," notes Dr. Kapur.Perhaps the most profound shift is philosophical. Sanamdeep Chadha explains that the Science of Living "shifts focus from achievement to meaning, encouraging students to ask not just how to succeed, but why". This represents a fundamental change in how schools approach student development.The new curriculum integrates essential human values - empathy, compassion, and responsibility - into everyday learning, creating what educators describe as more "life-relevant education".PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATIONBoth educators emphasise that implementing the practices under the Science of Living curriculum doesn't require overhauling the academic schedule. Instead, they suggest:Starting the day with mindful breathing exercisesIncorporating reflection circles into daily routinesWeaving value-based conversations into regular classroom discussionsUsing existing co-scholastic activities as platforms for emotional learningBut proper implementation needs the right faculty and adequate teacher training."Empowering teachers is key," states Chadha. "When educators are equipped with the mindset and tools to model emotional awareness, even small shifts can transform school culture".advertisementCUSTOMISATION FOR DIVERSE NEEDSPrivate schools are finding ways to adapt the Science of Living framework while maintaining its core philosophy. Dr Kapur suggests that schools can "customise the framework by blending it with their existing life skills programmes, creating modules that reflect the unique challenges their students face".This curriculum shift reflects a broader understanding of education's role in the 21st century."Schools are not just centres of academic growth -- they're foundations for shaping emotionally resilient and socially responsible individuals," says Samandeep Chadha.The Science of Living curriculum acknowledges that in today's world, knowledge alone isn't sufficient. Students need to manage stress, adapt to change, collaborate with empathy, and make ethical choices - skills that are best nurtured within the school environment.The transition from Happiness Curriculum to Science of Living represents a maturation in how we approach student well-being. It moves beyond creating temporary happiness to building lasting resilience, from surface-level contentment to deep-rooted life skills.As schools continue to implement this new framework, the focus remains clear: preparing students not just for academic success, but for a meaningful, balanced, and emotionally intelligent life in an increasingly complex world.The early feedback from educators suggests that this evolution is both necessary and timely -- a recognition that true education must nurture the whole human being, not just the intellect.Must Watch