US First Lady Melania Trump Attends 'Happiness Class', Interacts With Students At Delhi Govt School

The First Lady of the United States Melania Trump visited a Delhi government school to attend a 'happiness class'. She was given a traditional welcome by young students, who garlanded her and also applied 'teeka' on her forehead. According to ANI, students lined the entrance holding flags of India and the United States in honour her visit. She was also handed over a bouquet after which she lit the ceremonial lamp. The school was decked up with floral garlands and motifs to welcome the US First Lady. Floral rangolis were also drawn at multiple places in the school and a student band welcomed her playing bagpipes.

Wearing a white mid-length dress with flowers imprinted in yellow and red, Melania spent several minutes interacting with the students and teachers of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School co-ed school in South Moti Bagh. According to ANI, the young and enthusiastic school children were dressed in bright-coloured sarees and traditional dresses like ghagra-choli to welcome Melania.

Addressing the students, Melania thanked the administration for welcoming her. "Thank you for welcoming me. This is my first visit to India. People here are so welcoming and kind," she said.

Melania Trump said it is "very inspiring" that students begin their day by practising mindfulness and connecting with nature". "A healthy, positive example has been set for educators to ensure a promising future," she said.

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Ahead of her arrival, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted to welcome her. "@FLOTUS will attend happiness class in our school today. Great day for our teachers, students and Delhiites. For centuries, India has taught spirituality to the world. Am happy that she will take back the msg of happiness from our school," Kejriwal said.

"Welcome to our school @FLOTUS! We hope you would have a great time here in #HappinessClass It's just 18 months old initiative but early results have made us confident that @HappinessDelhi is the ultimate solution to all violence & hate in mindsets that we are facing worldwide," tweeted Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio.

In another tweet, he said,"Its a proud moment for my Team Education of Delhi today. All are excited to see @FLOTUS in one of our school. She just visited 'room to read' now she would move for #HappinessClass and then address the kids in assembly."

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Kejriwal and Sisodia were to welcome Melania at the school and brief her about rationale behind introduction of the 'Happiness Classes' as well as the Delhi government's overall reform initiatives in the education sector but the US embassy had later communicated to the city administration that their names do not figure in the list of invitees for the event.

The classes under the 'Happiness Curriculam' were started by the Delhi government in 2018. As a part of the programme, students are taught various activities including meditation, street plays and basic obedience with an aim to reduce anxiety and stress levels among children.

(With PTI Inputs)