 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 5: Underscoring the growing need to reimagine school education as a space that nurtures emotional well-being alongside academic achievement, the Vice Chancellor University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, today formally released the book “Happy Schools: Placing Happiness at the Heart of Schools”. The book releasefunction was attended by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, and Prof. Sangita Gupta, Head of the Department of Psychology. The release served as a timely reminder that in today’s dynamic learning environments, student happiness, mental health, and psychological safety must form the bedrock of effective education systems.
Authored by Dr. Romesh Kumar, a seasoned psychologist, committed mental health advocate, and alumnus of the University’s Department of Psychology, the book is a timely contribution to the educational discourse that challenges traditional, performance-driven models. Dr. Kumar currently serves as Head of Department at DIET Jammu and has played a pivotal role in advocating for emotional wellness in school settings.
In his remarks, Prof. Rai stated that the future of education must be measured not just by academic outcomes, but by the emotional strength and resilience of students. He emphasized that schools must evolve into spaces where learning is joyful, safe, and meaningful.
“The real success of a school lies in the emotional confidence it instills in a child,” he said. “Happy Schools brings to light a vision of education that is compassionate, inclusive, and deeply aligned with the values of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is not only a scholarly contribution but also a practical roadmap for educational reform. As an alumnus of this University, Dr. Kumar’s work adds distinction to our academic legacy.”
The book offers a structured and accessible framework for school leaders, educators, parents, and policymakers to embed happiness and psychological safety into the ethos of schooling. Drawing from field experience and grounded in contemporary educational theory, Happy Schools outlines actionable strategies to build emotionally intelligent institutions that prioritize student mental health alongside academic achievement.
The release was marked by wide appreciation from the academic community, with recognition of the book’s potential to influence both policy and classroom practices. Experts have lauded it for its clarity, relevance, and ability to translate complex psychological concepts into school-based interventions. |
