The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee delivered today (January 10, 2017) through video conference a New Year Message to students and youth on the topic - "Building a happy society” using the National Knowledge Network.

Addressing the students and faculty of institutions of higher learning and officer trainees of Civil Services Academies, the President called upon the youth to enhance happiness by learning to wear a smile always; laughing at life; connecting with nature and getting involved with the community. He advised them to take interest in sports and nurture a healthy body. He said they should be mindful of what they eat and pointed out that bringing smiles on the faces of the deprived and the under-privileged can be a truly rewarding experience.

Referring to the abundance of negative feelings around us, the President said incidents of violence against women, road rage, substance abuse, and suicides are all manifestations of unhappiness. They must be dealt with by inculcating positive emotions and displacing negative emotions. He told the youth to seek help if they need it. He also advised them to practice yoga and meditation and look inwards for happiness.

The President advised the youth to make books their best friends and develop a love for books. He called upon them to develop an interest for art and culture and cultivate a habit of life-long learning.

This release issued at 1800 hrs.