The Department of Community and Mental Health of the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University observed the International Day of Happiness on 19^th March 2019 at Al Aman center, Al Khoud. The event was celebrated along with differently abled children and parents of Al Aman center, children and teachers from Down Syndrome Association, school children from Al Nawras School, and Al Seeb International School. Mr. Saleh Bin Issa Al Aghbari, Head of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Directorate General of Disabled People, Ministry of Social Development, patronized the event. Mr. Hilal bin Rashid Al Mukhaimi, Deputy Manager of Al Aman Center for Rehabilitation welcomed the gathering and shared his views on happiness.

Dr. Blessy Prabha Valsaraj, Head of the Department of Community and Mental Health at the College of Nursing welcomed the audience underlining the importance of International Day of Happiness which falls on March 20 every year calling for happiness to be given greater priority. Mr. Nasir Matani, a senior lecturer from the Department of Community and Mental Health addressed the gathering on happiness and its importance in day to day life. Mr. Mohammed Qutishat, Ms Saraswathi Kannekanti, Mr. Devan Prabudoss and Ms. Divya K Y lecturers from the Department took part in the event. Dr. Huda Al Noumani, Assistant Dean for Training and Community Services, College of Nursing awarded certificates to the participants and mementos to the guests. Ms. Rahma Al Harrasi, Head of Coordination, follow up and Archiving, College of Nursing  attended the event. Ms. Sarah Al Alawi, a nursing student compered the event.

As many as 200 participants attended the event. The Nursing students of Sultan Qaboos University has portrayed the theme of International Day of Happiness, “Happier Together” though a role play. There were students dressed up as cartoon characters to entertain the children among the audience. Gifts and balloons were distributed to all the children as a token of happiness. Nursing students entertained the children with beautiful face painting. The Down Syndrome Association added colour to the event by coordinating the dance performance of students from Al Nawras School, as part of observing World Down Syndrome Day. The event was concluded by distribution of happiness calendar to all the participants and a thank you note by the nursing students from SQU. A token of gratitude was exchanged between the College of Nursing and Al Aman Center, Al Khoud.