Mizoram is India's happiest state where teachers are student's best friends: Study

Mizoram has been declared the happiest state in India according to a study conducted by Rajesh K Pillania, professor of strategy at the Management Development Institute in Gurugram.

The report further said that every child in the Mizo community, regardless of gender, starts earning early.

According to the reports, the state, which is the second in India to reach 100 per cent literacy, provides pupils with possibilities for progress even in the most challenging of situations.

"Mizoram's happiness index is based on six parameters, including family relationships, work-related issues, social issues and philanthropy, religion, Covid-19's effect on happiness, and physical and mental health," the report said.

"A student of the Government Mizo High School (GMHS) in Aizawl, Mizoram, has had to face many difficulties since his father abandoned his family when he was young. Despite this, he remains optimistic and excels in his studies. He hopes to become a chartered accountant or appear for civil services exams if his first choice does not work out," the report said.

Similarly, a GMHS Class 10 student wishes to attend the National Defence Academy (NDA). His father works at a milk factory, while his mother stays at home. Because of their school, both feel optimistic about their future.

"Our teachers are our best friends, we are not scared or shy of sharing with them anything," one student said. The teachers in Mizoram regularly meet with students and their parents to address any problems they may be facing.

Mizoram's social structure also contributes to the happiness of its youth. "It is the upbringing that adds to youth being happy or not, we are a casteless society. Also, parental pressure for studies is less here," said Sister Lalrinmawii Khiangte, a teacher at Eben-ezer Boarding School, a private school in the state.

"No task is considered too small and youths typically find employment around the age of 16 or 17. This is encouraged, and there is no discrimination between girls and boys," it said.

Mizoram has a high number of broken families, but having many peers in similar situations, working mothers, and financial independence from an early age means children are not left bereft. "When both genders are taught to earn their living, and neither is dependent on the other, why should a couple continue to live together in an unhealthy setting?" asked Khiangte.