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The concept of Happiness Day originates from Bhutan – a small kingdom nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas, renowned for its high happiness index based on factors such as health, spirituality, education, environment, quality of governance, and standard of living of its people.
In June 2012, the United Nations declared March 20 as International Day of Happiness. With 193 member countries (including Vietnam) pledging support, efforts are directed towards improving quality of life, fostering social equality, and sustainable development, all aimed at bringing happiness to the people.
The notion of Happiness Day stems from Bhutan – a small kingdom nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas, recognized for its high happiness index based on factors like health, spirituality, education, environment, quality of governance, and standard of living of its people.
Bhutan is a nation that prioritizes national happiness over national income, a philosophy upheld since the early 1970s, famously known for implementing the Gross National Happiness goal instead of Gross Domestic Product.
Representatives from Bhutan assert that the need for this Happiness Day extends to all nations and peoples worldwide, aiming to transcend differences among nations and individuals, fostering global solidarity and unity.
The United Nations chose March 20 as the International Day of Happiness because it holds special significance as the day when the sun lies directly over the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths – symbolizing the balance and harmony of the universe. It also represents the balance between yin and yang, light and darkness, dreams and reality...
Therefore, March 20th – International Day of Happiness conveys the message that balance and harmony are key to achieving happiness.
Vietnam, with its millennia of history, is no stranger to the pursuit of happiness. Since the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), 'Independence, Freedom, Happiness' has been the national motto.
In fact, the major policies and initiatives of our Party and State regarding national independence, territorial integrity, building and defending the socialist fatherland, industrialization, modernization, and international integration all aim to realize the goal of prosperity, strength, democracy, fairness, civility, ensuring warm and full lives, freedom, and happiness for all.
To further the goal of social welfare development, building prosperous and progressive Vietnamese families, and responding to the International Day of Happiness on March 20 initiated by the United Nations, on December 26, 2013, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 2589/QD-TTg approving the Project 'Organizing activities on International Day of Happiness on March 20 annually.'
The project aims to enhance awareness at all levels, sectors, organizations, individuals, and families throughout society about the International Day of Happiness, leading to specific actions to build happy Vietnamese families and communities; strengthen participation and coordination among levels, sectors, and people from all walks of life; and promote cooperation and support from domestic and international organizations and individuals for activities on the International Day of Happiness.
2014 marked Vietnam's inaugural official observance of International Day of Happiness. The theme for Vietnam's 2014 Happiness Day: 'Love and Sharing,' continued from the theme 'Connecting Love' of the 2013 Vietnamese Family Year.
Today (20/3), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host a solemn ceremony at the Hanoi Opera House under the theme 'Love and Sharing.'
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - Courtesy of Gia Đình Magazine
MytourJune 23, 2014
