Students in Mizoram remain happy and optimistic even in the most difficult circumstances, reveals a study conducted by Rajesh K Pillania, Professor of Strategy at Management Development Institute in Gurugram. The study declares the northeastern state as the happiest in India.
According to Pillania's report, Mizoram, which is the second state in India to achieve 100 per cent literacy, offers students opportunities for growth even in dire circumstances. Mizoram's social structure also contributes to the happiness of its youth, as mentioned in an IANS report.
"A student of the Government Mizo High School (GMHS) in Aizawl, Mizoram, has had to face many difficulties since his father abandoned his family when he was young. Despite this, he remains optimistic and excels in his studies. He hopes to become a chartered accountant or appear for civil services exams if his first choice does not work out," the study said.
Student stories
Similarly, a student in Class X at GMHS aspires to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). His father works in a milk factory and his mother is a homemaker. Both are hopeful about their prospects because of their school.
"Our teachers are our best friends, we are not scared or shy of sharing anything with them," another student said. The teachers in Mizoram regularly meet with students and their parents to address any problems they may be facing.
Teacher's testimony
"It is the upbringing that adds to youth being happy or not; we are a casteless society. Also, parental pressure for studies is less here," said Sister Lalrinmawii Khiangte, a teacher at Eben-ezer Boarding School, a private school in the state. Pillania's report further said that every child in the Mizo community, regardless of gender, starts earning early.
"No task is considered too small and youths typically find employment around the age of 16 or 17. This is encouraged, and there is no discrimination between girls and boys," it reads, as per IANS.
Mizoram has a number of broken families, but having many peers in similar situations, working mothers and financial independence from an early age means children are not left bereft. "When both genders are taught to earn their living, and neither is dependent on the other, why should a couple continue to live together in an unhealthy setting?" asked Khiangte.
"Mizoram's happiness index is based on six parameters including family relationships, work-related issues, social issues and philanthropy, religion, COVID-19's effect on happiness, and physical and mental health," Pillania informs.
