New Delhi. January 18:
Bharat Mandapam — Dr. Romesh Kumar, a renowned psychologist and author from Jammu, took center stage at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 today. During an engaging session with educators and bibliophiles, he presented his highly acclaimed book, “Happy Schools: Placing Happiness at the Heart of Schools.”
The book, which serves as a science-backed guide to school well-being and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), has recently garnered significant international recognition. It was featured in the prestigious “Favorite Books for Educators 2025” list by the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California, Berkeley—notably standing out as the only Indian title on the global list.
Redefining Education Through Well-being
Addressing a diverse audience at Bharat Mandapam, Dr. Kumar emphasized that the current education system must evolve beyond academic scores. He highlighted that his work aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which advocates for a holistic approach to student development.
“Education is incomplete without happiness,” Dr. Kumar stated during the interaction. “The mental health and well-being of both students and teachers should be given equal priority within our school ecosystems.”
Key Highlights of “Happy Schools”
The book has been praised by international experts as “thought-provoking and practical.” Its core pillars include:
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Scientific Framework: Utilizing research-based evidence to foster joy in classrooms.
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Tools for teachers to help students navigate emotions and build resilience.
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NEP 2020 Integration: A roadmap for implementing India’s new educational reforms with a focus on mental health.
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Global Recognition: Its inclusion in the UC Berkeley GGSC list marks a milestone for Indian educational literature on the world stage.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Kumar, who currently serves as the Head of Department at DIET Jammu and is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), continues to be a vocal advocate for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in schools.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, where educators discussed practical ways to implement “happiness curricula” in their own institutions, inspired by the strategies outlined in Dr. Kumar’s book.
