People of Nigeria and Venezuela might be poor wealth-wise but they have one thing in abundance these days. Its happiness that keeps them laughing to their hearts’ content, psychiatrist Indla Ramasubba Reddy said quoting a survey published in the New Scientist.
Laughter Clubs and Walkers Clubs organised the World Laughter Day celebrations here on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “The US and Indian citizens are ranked far below in the measure of happiness implying that material comforts alone do not essentially give happiness.”
“A whole hearted laugh not only improves health but also one’s relationship with others. Laugh and smile. It will connect you with people,” Dr. Reddy said.
He said even TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu appears to have realised the fact that a hearty laugh keeps stress away. “You can see him smiling now-a-days. He was serious when he was at the helm of affairs. There is a sea change after he became the Opposition leader,” Dr. Reddy said. Jokes, skits, poetry and songs on laughter made the celebrations come alive. The speakers emphasised meditation, listening to music, reading good books and laughter were goods ways of relieving the body of negative emotions, stress and relax the mind. Laughter was a boon showered upon the human race and it could be used as an effective tool to achieve world peace, they said.
Psychologist T.S. Rao, Dr. M.V. Rao, Laughter Club president Tondepu Venkata Hanumantha Rao, Walkers International district governor 202-2014 Alamuri Amarnath, Loyola Walkers Association president Raavi Krishna Rao and secretary J.V.S.R.K. Prasad and others spoke.