Should a business group be concerned about the happiness quotient of those who use its services? In what is claimed to be "the first-of-its-kind association” between property developers Rustomjee Group and Dr Robert Waldinger, an internationally acclaimed psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, Zen priest and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Waldinger will act as a "consultant on design to elevate the sense of community across Rustomjee projects,” stated a press note from the Group. Waldinger is also director, Harvard Study of Adult Development, reportedly the longest study on happiness ever done, states Rustomjee’s note. Waldinger will "advise the Group on the layouts and designs and how they can be bettered (to bring) people together.”
Dr Robert Waldinger (l); Boman Irani;
below, a Rustomjee project Photo: Rustomjee website
Branded The Circle of Happiness, the Group will "create a space where connections come alive, ideas are exchanged and emotions appreciated,” stated Boman Irani, Rustomjee chairman and managing director. He stated that they were "elated to be associated with Waldinger for a common purpose — a purpose that the world needs more than ever now — the purpose of creating communities and strengthening human connections.”
Waldinger stated that "I knew our visions were aligned — the brand is known to celebrate the power of community and I believe that the only key to happiness is relationships.”
The Group had a three-day program from October 7-9, 2022 in collaboration with community builders Karishma Mehta of Humans of Bombay, independent journalist Faye D’Souza, and businesswoman Perizaad Zorabian (Irani’s wife) among others. They "will support the brand in its initiative to celebrate humans, connections and more,” stated the press note. The Circle of Happiness started with a symposium on October 7 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts that focused on building a happier world, followed by "intimate community circles” at other Bombay venues.