CHAMPIONS OF CHEER

The Happiness Fest and Awards celebrated the most inspiring, funny and positive influencers for bringing joy and giving hope to people in these trying times

- SUHANI SINGH

Music, laughter and a celebration of the most inspiring, funny and positive influencers that's how the India Today Group and RPG Group brought down the curtains on their second season of the Happiness Quest campaign with the Happiness Fest and Awards at a gala evening in Mumbai on March 25.

It was in 2022 when the two came together to launch the Happiness Quest, a much-needed initiative after the Covid-19 pandemic had left people reeling from anxiety and grief. Under such trying circumstances, it seemed the best time for seeking answers to what truly makes one happy. In the face of adversity, how does one rise and find new meaning in life, to maintain equanimity and remain cheerful?

This year, as the quest entered its second season, it was pegged around three tentpoles. First, in January, the INDIA TODAY magazine came out with a special issue The Secret of featured inspirational, heartwarming and emotive insights from seers, celebrities and do-gooders on the many paths to bliss and how to find them. The next month saw the first-ever INDIA TODAY-RPG Group Happiness at Workplace Summit and Awards that, based on a comprehensive survey, recognised companies for creating employee-friendly spaces and policies.