Chennai, April 3: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has joined forces with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness to launch the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness. The initiative, housed in the Department of Management Studies (DoMS), aims to integrate happiness studies into academic programs, promoting emotional resilience and holistic learning.

The centre will develop and offer courses designed to instill positivity, enhance emotional well-being, and foster meaningful lives among students. Additionally, a Mind Lab equipped with cutting-edge tools will be established to provide experiential learning opportunities.

The collaboration agreement, signed on March 24, saw the participation of Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, founder of the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, along with Professor Manu Santhanam, Dean (IC&SR) at IIT Madras. The event was attended by IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, and faculty members from DoMS, including Prof. M. Thenmozhi, Prof. Rupashree Baral, and Prof. Srinivasan S.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Kamakoti emphasized that true learning extends beyond academic success, fostering a balanced student-faculty ecosystem. Dr. Rekhi highlighted the connection between happiness and success, noting that a happy mindset leads to better performance and personal growth. He also touched on the concept of the “monkey brain”, referring to the restless mind that often leads to stress and dissatisfaction.

The Rekhi Centre for the Science of Happiness will focus on research, education, and outreach programs, blending scientific and philosophical approaches to promote well-being. This initiative aligns with IIT Madras’ broader visionof redefining education by integrating academic excellence with mental and emotional well-being.

The Rekhi Foundation for Happiness operates globally, championing positive psychology and happiness studies by establishing similar centers in universities, furthering research, and advancing holistic development.