Spreading Smiles on World Happiness Day: A Celebration of Joy, Connection, and Community

On March 20, 2025, the ISCI Foundation partnered with 94.3 FM to celebrate World Happiness Day in a way that truly honored the spirit of the occasion—by bringing happiness directly to those who need it most. The slums of Gwalior became a beacon of joy as ISCI volunteers, radio personalities, and community children came together to create an unforgettable day of shared laughter, warmth, and meaningful dialogue. What unfolded was not just an event, but a vibrant affirmation that happiness, when shared, multiplies.

The Heartbeat of the Day: Children and Community

The venue was modest but alive with anticipation and energy. Dozens of children from the slums of Gwalior gathered, their faces glowing with curiosity and excitement. For many, this wasn’t just another day—it was a rare occasion where the outside world came to their doorstep to celebrate them.

ISCI Foundation, renowned for its grassroots work in education, health, and environmental sustainability, made sure that the celebration was more than just a gathering. It was an immersive experience designed to connect hearts and spread joy. Volunteers organized games, interactive storytelling sessions, art activities, and music that filled the air with laughter and camaraderie.

From musical chairs to creative drawing competitions, the children were actively engaged, laughing with new friends, and, for a moment, letting go of their daily struggles. The smiles weren’t staged—they were spontaneous, genuine, and powerful.

Amplifying Joy Through the Airwaves

What made this World Happiness Day celebration even more impactful was the live collaboration with 94.3 FM. RJ Bhavinnyu hosted a special segment on the airwaves, turning the joy on the ground into a message of hope for a much wider audience. The podcast was more than just a recording—it was a heartfelt conversation about the essence of happiness, kindness, and community upliftment.

Joining RJ Bhuvanyu on the podcast were ISCI Foundation Director Mohit Modi and dedicated volunteers Ankita, Kartik, and Aryan. Their discussion offered deep reflections on the emotional rewards of service, the transformation they witness in the communities they serve, and the incredible resilience of children living in underprivileged conditions.

Mohit Modi emphasized that true happiness comes not from personal gain but from giving. “Every smile we see today is a reminder of why we started ISCI. These children, despite having so little, radiate so much joy. That’s the purest form of happiness,” he said.

Volunteers as Carriers of Joy

The success of the event owed much to the efforts of volunteers, whose enthusiasm and warmth ensured that no child felt left out. Ankita led art and expression activities, encouraging kids to paint their dreams on paper. Kartik turned the atmosphere electric with games and singing sessions. Aryan shared stories with the children—tales of courage and kindness, each ending with a message of hope.

Their efforts were not just about logistics; they were about emotional connection. Whether it was helping a shy child pick up a crayon or dancing with groups of children under the open sky, the volunteers bridged gaps and built bonds that may last beyond the day.

Sukoon Initiative: Creating Long-Term Happiness

This celebration was deeply rooted in the ISCI Foundation’s Sukoon Initiative, a program designed to provide mental, emotional, and psychological relief to individuals living in high-stress, impoverished environments. Under Sukoon, ISCI organizes events, therapy sessions, storytelling circles, and wellness activities that promote mental well-being—especially among children, women, and the elderly.

World Happiness Day served as a perfect extension of this initiative. Sukoon reminds us that true welfare isn’t just about food or clothing—it’s also about feeling seen, valued, and safe. Creating joy through play, music, and conversation directly contributes to emotional healing and resilience, two key pillars of the Sukoon mission.

RJ Bhuvannyu mentioned during the podcast, “What ISCI is doing through Sukoon is groundbreaking. In a world that often ignores the emotional needs of the poor, this initiative is a breath of fresh air. It’s about restoring dignity, one smile at a time.”

Conversations That Matter

The podcast wasn’t just a backdrop—it became a platform for raising awareness. Listeners across Gwalior heard not only laughter but important messages about community support, happiness through altruism, and how volunteering transforms lives. Many called in later to express admiration, and some even pledged future support or volunteered to join ISCI programs.

Such dialogues are essential in building a culture of compassion. By bringing media into social work, ISCI is bridging the gap between privileged and marginalized communities, ensuring the voices of the unheard are broadcast far and wide.

A Day to Remember—A Future to Build

As the sun began to set, the children returned home, their hands full of small gifts and treats, and their hearts fuller still. Volunteers packed up with sore feet but beaming faces. There was a shared sense that something extraordinary had happened.

World Happiness Day 2025 wasn’t just a checkbox for ISCI Foundation—it was a mission fulfilled, a moment seized, and a memory created. It reinforced the organization's belief that every act of kindness is a seed, and when nurtured, it blossoms into a community of empathy and support.

What’s Next?

The ISCI Foundation doesn’t stop at events. Inspired by the success of this program, the foundation is:

• Planning more community mental wellness activities under the Sukoon Initiative.

• Collaborating with local radio and digital media platforms to keep the conversation on happiness and mental health alive.

• Expanding its outreach to include more slum clusters across Gwalior for similar interactive joy-based engagements.

• Developing structured happiness and resilience programs in schools and communities.

In the words of ISCI Director Mohit Modi, “You don’t need to wait for happiness. You can create it—right here, right now, for someone else. And in doing so, you’ll find it yourself.”

As ISCI Foundation continues its journey to uplift lives across India, days like World Happiness Day serve as beacons—reminding us that at the intersection of empathy and action lies the truest kind of joy.