Happiness: A New Perspective Contributing Towards Learning for Post-Pandemic Higher Educational Institutions

Purpose. The word ‘pandemic’ reminds us of the disaster it has created in the world. The present paper aims to explore the gender-based difference in happiness levels among students of Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) during the pandemic. The study elaborates on the skill to remain happy by providing a happiness model useful in curriculum modification in HEIs for better learning of students. Design/ methodology. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect data from 642 respondents through purposive sampling. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Such statistical methods as independent t-test, multiple regression, and AMOS were employed for structural equation modelling. Findings. The statistical results showed no significant difference in the levels of happiness between the male and female students. Physical, psychological, social, and financial factors and semester stress were found to contribute to the happiness of students, and gender had a significant impact on physical, financial, and semester stress. Finally, a happiness model was developed. Originality. This research presents a model with five major contributing factors to happiness during the pandemic for students in Indian HEIs. The impact of gender on overall happiness and its contributing factors were also studied. Research limitation. The study should be expanded in terms of data collection, reaching more regions of India and outside to generalise the results. Practical implication. The outcomes that emerged from the study can be incorporated into the curriculum to prioritise happiness and improve students’ learning. Social Implication. A modified curriculum will help students to remain happy which automatically increases learning.