What if happiness is not something you “achieve” in the future, but a skill you practice every day? In this meaningful episode of Supreet Gadhok – Indian Podcasters, host Supreet Singh sits down with Prof. Rajesh K. Pillania, often called India’s Happiness Professor, to explore the science, simplicity, and practice of living a fulfilled life. From the myths Indians grow up with to the real impact of social media and validation culture, this conversation blends research, life stories, and practical frameworks you can use right away. If you follow India podcasts, are searching for clarity, or simply want to build a calmer mind and stronger relationships, this episode is your cue to pause, reflect, and reset, without overcomplicating life.
Prof. Pillania brings 15+ years of work across happiness, performance, strategy, and innovation to this conversation, sharing insights from his reports, books, and on-ground research with people living happily into their 90s and beyond. He explains why happiness isn’t a final destination but a daily practice built on three pillars he calls JAM—Giving, Enjoying What You Have, and Meaning. We also discuss why India’s happiness story is richer than global rankings suggest, how to handle family expectations without losing yourself, and why attention (not time) is the real asset in modern life. This is Deep Root Talk in its purest form—honest, curious, and useful—crafted for the Indian audience that values depth and practicality.
JAM Formula: Giving, enjoying small daily moments, and Meaningful living create sustained happiness.
Hormones of Happiness: Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins—how small habits release them daily.
Social Media & Validation: How comparison culture steals attention, fuels stress, and blocks inner peace.
Attention > Energy > Time: Why attention is the real currency of performance and joy.
Relationships & Acceptance: Finding common ground in marriage/family without self-betrayal.
Education Gap: Life skills are missing—parents and schools must teach digital balance, resilience, and focus.
Big Happiness Is a Myth: Chasing “one big event” rarely works—micro-joys compound better.
India’s Strengths: Giving, festivals, family bonds, and spiritual meaning make India uniquely resilient.
Instant Practices: Laugh daily, move your body, meet people without screens, and celebrate tiny wins.
Prof. Pillania’s journey did not start with a title; it began with personal challenges around 2009 and a question many of us ask: Why do we work so hard and still feel restless? As a strategy scholar, he noticed that companies fail when people are disengaged, and people disengage when their goals (happiness) don’t align with the organisation’s goals. That overlap is where happiness turns from “nice-to-have” into performance fuel. He argues that when we are happy, we are more productive, more innovative, and healthier. The lesson is simple: don’t postpone happiness until success—get happier first to become more successful.
Happiness becomes memorable when it’s simple. The JAM formula makes it actionable for everyday life. Giving is not just charity—it’s offering time, attention, and help. Enjoying means savoring positive, small, daily experiences: tea with family, a walk in nature, or friendly conversations. Meaning comes from faith, values, relationships, and purposeful work. When these three align, happiness becomes balanced and lasting. It’s personal too: your JAM won’t look like someone else’s. That’s the power—and responsibility—of defining happiness on your terms. Instead of chasing a big car or massive promotion, stack these micro-habits throughout your day. The best podcast in India isn’t just one that inspires you—it nudges you to take one small action right now.
Today’s biggest threat to happiness is not a lack of information, it’s too much of the wrong kind. Constant comparison and validation-seeking drain focus, trigger anxiety, and weaken real-life relationships. Prof. Pillania recommends a home “operating system”: model mindful use for children, prioritise screen-free family time, and reclaim your attention. Remember: time management matters, but attention management changes your life. If your mind is elsewhere, you can’t enjoy what you worked so hard to build.
Enjoy the full episode of The Supreet Singh Show with Prof. Rajesh K. Pillania on our YouTube channel. Hear the stories, the science, and the simple practices that make every day better.
