Joy cannot be bought—It is Experienced Within: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that people often tend to seek happiness in material comforts and a life of luxury. While everyone aspires for physical pleasures, only a few truly seek inner peace and spiritual happiness. He emphasised that true joy does not lie in materialism but in the contentment of one’s inner emotions. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that joy cannot be purchased through wealth or material comforts; it arises from within when human emotions are truly fulfilled. The Chief Minister addressed the national seminar on ‘Dimensions of Happiness’ organised by the State Anand Institute at the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management on the occasion of International Day of Happiness on Friday.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the seminar by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He also felicitated the winners of the Anandotsav held across the state from January 14 to 28, presenting them with cash prizes and certificates. In the photography and videography categories, first prize winners received ₹25,000, second prize winners ₹15,000, and third prize winners ₹10,000. In photography, Shri Milind Kumar secured first place, Shri Shailendra Bihar second and Sushri Seema Agnihotri third. In videography, Shri Syed Afzan secured first place, Shri Raja Khan second and Shri Jeevan Rajak third.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that experiencing joy in the happiness of others is the essence of Sanatan culture. He urged everyone to perform their duties with enthusiasm, dedication, and a sense of joy. He noted that the dimensions of happiness in human life can be understood by recognising the difference between joy and sorrow. Since ancient times, Indian culture has upheld the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, placing special emphasis on the concept of family. He highlighted, referring to observations made at a global forum in 1956, that in Indian families, even if only one member earns, the entire family lives with dignity and happiness; it is something unique to India.

Highlighting examples from Indian tradition, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav spoke about Lord Shri Krishna and said that despite the hardships faced by Mata Devaki, true joy emerged after liberation from suffering. Yashoda Maiya and Nanda Baba experienced joy in nurturing Krishna without considering him as someone else’s child. He added that Lord Krishna set an ideal example by remaining composed in both joy and sorrow, even during the Mahabharata when his own army fought on the battlefield.

He further said that during Simhastha, saints are seen performing rigorous penance even in extreme heat, unaffected by physical hardships, as they remain immersed in spiritual bliss through devotion. In the Sanatan tradition, saints dedicate their lives selflessly to guide society and resolve its challenges.

Maharshi Madhusudan Ji Maharaj from Haridwar said that metaphysics provides the framework to understand the material world and encompasses both worldly knowledge and knowledge of the ultimate reality (Brahman). He noted that Vedanta describes multiple paths to attain bliss and that Ananda itself is Brahman, which drives the universe. He also mentioned that during India’s colonial period, Warren Hastings, after reading the Gita, observed that India would not remain enslaved for long, having understood its profound philosophy of joy. Later, the Gita reached London and was widely appreciated by scholars of various ideologies. American thinkers, too, have regarded the Gita’s wisdom as a path to perfection, which is achieved through practice. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is progressing towards regaining its status as a global spiritual leader.

Principal Secretary of the Anand Department, Shri Raghavendra Kumar Singh, said that activities promoting happiness are being conducted for government employees at the block level across the state. Officials are learning to remain joyful themselves and interact effectively with citizens. Students, from schools to colleges, are being sensitised towards human values. He added that if the mind is content, the entire world appears joyful.

The seminar was also addressed by Shri Abhay Mahajan, Secretary of Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot; Shri Kamlesh Patel; and Dr. Jamdar. Director General of RCVP Noronha Academy Shri Sachin Sinha, CEO of State Anand Institute Shri Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director Shri Praveen Gangarade, and participants from across districts of the state were present. Program Coordinator Shri Manu Dixit expressed gratitude at the end.