‘Happiness Class Inspiring’: Melania Trump on Delhi School Visit

US First Lady Melania Trump visited a Delhi government school in south Moti Bagh area on Tuesday, 25 February.

(Photo: PTI)

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad

United States First Lady Melania Trump attended a 'Happiness Class' at a Delhi government school in Moti Bagh area on Tuesday, 25 February, and called the curriculum “inspiring,” as teachers and staff members scurried to make the day perfect for the visiting dignitary.

As excited students dressed in traditional attire waited patiently, the Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School was decked up with garlands and motifs, welcoming the US First Lady.

“Namaste! It’s a beautiful school. Thank you for welcoming me with a traditional dance performance. This is my first visit to India, people here are so welcoming and so kind,” she said while addressing the students and teachers.

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

‘Healthy, Positive Example’

The US First Lady said that 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.

She was cheered by students who waved Indian and American flags and was presented a handmade gift and Madhubani paintings before she left.

Earlier, when she arrived at the school, lensmen scurried to get a perfect shot. The children welcomed the First Lady by applying 'teeka' on her forehead. She was also handed over a bouquet after which she lit the ceremonial lamp.

Floral rangolis were also drawn at multiple places in the school and a student band was waiting to welcome her. Amid massive security, children were seen rehearsing just outside the gate of the institution.

"@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," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

The children were dressed in bright-coloured sarees and traditional dresses like 'ghagra-choli' to welcome Melania Trump. Some of them were carrying bagpipes and several other musical instruments.

"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.

The 'Happiness Class' was started by the Aam Aadmi Party in 2018. As part of the programme, students are taught various activities, including meditation, street plays, basic obedience and aims to reduce anxiety and stress levels among children.

(With inputs from PTI)