At a time when our TV shows enormous human suffering round the clock in all parts of the world caused by interminable wars, frequent earthquakes, flooding and communicable diseases that threaten to wipe out communities, it is becoming rare to see flashes of spontaneous happiness and joy of life among ordinary people. Our idea of happiness is now limited to getting our desires fulfilled by splurging money and then showing what we can get by that action to the world on social media. This kind of self-gratification is not spontaneous happiness that Bertrand Russell wrote about in his books.

I experienced that kind of happiness a few days ago. While walking in the park, I saw a family of four members – from what looked like a lower middle class – walking happily through it. Up ahead was a girl of about eight carrying a plastic basket inside which were items that looked like they were going for a picnic. Behind her, were her mom and dad. Mom and dad were short, a little on the fatter side. She was wearing a sari and carrying a small child aged about one. The dad was bespectacled and wore a white shirt and trousers. Behind both was another girl of about four carrying white plastic plates in her hands. What attracted my attention to them was that they seemed so happy to go wherever they were heading to.

Midway through their walk........

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