Happiness lies in being drunk with a spirit of a cause; not in a drink or drug, stated Dr Ulhas Luktuke, well-known psychiatrist while speaking on Authentic Happiness.

The department of psychology at the Bhonsala Military College in Nashik had organised a day-long state-level seminar on “Authentic Happiness” to mark the World Mental Health Day on October 10.

“We chose the theme Authentic Happiness with an intention to shift the focus of psychology from illness to happiness. Even today any expert psychological assistance sought by a person for normal reasons is wrongly perceived as mental disorder. This has to change and we need to reiterate positive psychology and positive emotions. The seminar also intends to provide a platform for research in positive psychology,” said college principal Dr Suchita Kochargaonkar in her speech.

Delivering the key note address on the topic, Dr Luktuke stated that happiness lies in the journey of the cause and not in its result. Even if one suffers at the end of the journey, one is sure of the purpose which gives satisfaction and happiness.

“The best excitement in life is to be convinced that one is fighting for what is worth, for a goal which is clearly seen and deeply felt good and which is against greatly scorned evil,” Luktuke said.
Elaborating he reminded the audience that happiness does not come from outside. No one can be made happy unless that person wants to be happy. Happiness can’t be taken by a negative attitude. If the mind’s receptors are closed with the doors of negative attitude, even floods of happiness may not make one happy. It is not a thing to be given, but a concept to be felt. To be happy one has to be rational, he stressed.

Speaking on the need to discuss positive psychology at such platforms Dr Luktuke said “Present life is loosing sense of direction. We are being trained and brain washed to mistake bodily comforts and pleasures for happiness; and are being deliberately taught as being right about it. There is a need to make people aware about the valid meaning of happiness.”

Money and Happiness
Speaking about money and happiness, Dr Ulhas Luktuke said, “There is nothing wrong in earning money, but to mistake it as happiness would lead to trouble. According to classical Indian thought, man’s search for pleasure has four corners; post, prestige, gold or money and spouse. To be caught in any one of them and not move ahead is a mistake.