Rekhi HC – University of Home Economics Lahore
Source: https://www.uhe.edu.pk/rekhi-hc
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
Rekhi HC – University of Home Economics Lahore
Rekhi HC
Introduction
Activites
Faculty
Trainings
Introduction
The Rekhi Foundation for Happiness is a nonprofit trust started by Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi and his wife Harpreet Rekhi in 2016. The foundation aims to expand the practice and knowledge of “Happiness Science and Positive Psychology†through setting up happiness centers in various universities.
Vision
Happiness for All.
Mission Statement
We create Centers of Excellence in academia across globe to disseminate knowledge through science and practice of happiness.
Rekhi Center of Excellence for the Science of Happiness
The ‘Rekhi Center of Excellence for the Science of Happiness’ was started in September 2016 at one of India’s premier engineering institutes – IIT Kharagpur and is the brainchild of Dr. Rekhi. In addition to providing financial support to the centre, he is also a part of Program Management as its honorary chairman. The goal is to expand the practice and knowledge of “Happiness Science and Positive Psychology†from students to the people they meet in their professional and personal lives, thus growing exponentially in its reach while improving the lives of people at large.
The Rekhi Centres of Excellence for the Science of Happiness aim to promote research, training, education and the practice of well being for students and teachers through the principles of happiness and well being techniques. Our research is based on the concept of improving the quality of people’s lives by focusing on knowledge that enhances positive emotions and positive relationships.
Happiness is an affective, cognitive, and psychological state of well-being. It is about finding meaning and purpose in life. It is the joy experienced in sharing rather than receiving. In the workplace, this happiness is reflected in the employees work output by being more productive, creative, enjoying one’s work, and being there for others. We have often pursued the art of happiness in our understanding and practice of staying happy. Developing a scientific understanding of happiness will help individuals be more optimistic and appreciative about themselves and others.
Each centre has a team of faculty members who work with students in the areas of happiness and well-being. Currently, Courses on individual happiness, as well as, organizational happiness are being offered with, student projects, training programs and research.
Activites
MOU
MOU Signing Ceremony Between UHE and Rekhi Foundation
The University of Home Economics (UHE), Lahore, has taken a major step in promoting mental and emotional well-being by forming an international partnership with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness (California, USA).
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), UHE will establish a Happiness Center and Mind Lab within its Department of Psychology, furthering its global initiative to integrate Happiness Science into academia.
The MOU was officially signed by Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-nisa Hussain, Vice Chancellor of UHE, and Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of the Rekhi Foundation (USA) for Happiness. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, Dr. Ayesha Khalid, Dr. Munaza Rashid.
After singing the MoU, Prof. Zaib-un-nisa Hussain said this initiative aims to foster research and education in Happiness Science, provide a platform for international conferences and seminars, and promote awareness of mental well-being. The partnership aligns with UHE’s commitment to holistic development and its contribution to the global discourse on emotional wellness.Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of the Rekhi Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the positive impact of happiness and well-being on UHE students.He emphasized that the Happiness Center will provide students with valuable opportunities to explore and understand Happiness Science, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.
As part of the MOU, the Rekhi Foundation has committed to providing $55,000 in funding over five years to support the establishment of the Happiness Center and Mind Lab: $15,000 in the first year and $10,000 annually for the next four years.
This collaboration is expected to enhance student engagement, academic research, and the practical application of Happiness Science. By incorporating global best practices, UHE continues to establish itself as a leader in emotional and mental well-being research.
Ist Seminar-Happiness Science and Monkey Brain
Department of Psychology in collaboration with the office of External Linkages organized a Seminar on “Happiness Science and our Monkey Brain†on 4th February, 2023. The guest speaker of the event was Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi (Founder, Rekhi Foundation of Happiness) and the chief guest was Prof Dr Kanwal Amen, Vice Chancellor, UHE.
Dr Rekhi talked about the science of happiness and how our brain is hot wired to think negative and take stress. He said that our brain has two components the logical brain and the emotional brain, the emotional brain is the monkey brain which clings to negativity and constantly compares our life and achievements with others as a result we feel stressed and unhappy.
In order to achieve a state of happiness we must learn to silence the monkey brain.He said that our brain has two components the logical brain and the emotional brain, the emotional brain is the monkey brain which clings to negativity and constantly compares our life and achievements with others as a result we feel stressed and unhappy. In order to achieve a state of happiness we must learn to silence the monkey brain.
Prof. Dr Kanwal Ameen added that our happiness is within us instead of thinking negative about others we should have a positive outlook towards life. Prof Dr. Najma Najam, Dr. Naumana Amjad, Registrar UHE, and faculty members and students attended the event.
2nd Seminar-Mastering Anxiety for a Brighter Future
University of Home Economics, Department of Psychology host an inspiring and deeply insightful online webinar titled “Mastering Anxiety for a Brighter Future”, focused on understanding and supporting individuals on the
autism spectrum.
This meaningful session featured two remarkable speakers who brought both expertise and compassion to the conversation: Rabia Waqar Khan Clinical Psychologist, Counselor (MBACP), Special Needs Trainer, and Founder of the Institute of Professional Advancement, UK Zainab Khan – Clinical Psychologist, Educationist, Behavior Analyst (BACB), and Inclusion Advocate based in Canada Their perspectives shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with autism, especially around anxiety, and offered practical tools for creating inclusive and empathetic environments in both educational and therapeutic settings.
The session was gracefully presented by Dr. Ayesha Sarfraz, Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Home Economics, whose leadership helped bring this vital discussion to life. Students from across institutions joined virtually, making the event not only accessible but also a truly collaborative and international learning experience
3nd Seminar-Celebrating International Happiness Day
The *International Day of Happiness*was celebrated at the *University of Home Economics* with an inspiring seminar hosted jointly by the Department of Psychology, Rekhi Center of Excellence for tbe Science of Happiness UHE and ORIC. The event featured *Dr. Shaista Saman*, CEO of *Save Our Society Foundation*, as the keynote speaker, who delivered a thought-provoking talk on the **importance of happiness, mental well-being, and the profound impact of kindness on individuals and society*. She emphasized how small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, transforming not just our own lives but also the lives of those around us leading to a sense of happiness and wellbeing.
We were honored to have Dr Munazza Rashid (Director ORIC), *Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz (Head, Department of Psychology) and *Ms. Iram Mehbob*in attendance, whose support and encouragement made this event even more meaningful. Their presence highlighted the importance of coming together as a community to foster positivity, emotional resilience, and collective well-being.
The seminar served as a reminder that true happiness lies in *helping others, cultivating gratitude, and spreading kindness*.It was a privilege to engage in such an insightful discussion and to witness the enthusiasm of students and faculty members who are committed to promoting mental and emotional well-being.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in making this event a success. Let us us all continue to embrace happiness, nurture meaningful connections, and uplift one another in our daily lives.
Workshops
The Rekhi Center of excellence for the Science of Happiness, UHE in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, successfully hosted a transformative workshop titled “The Art of Emotional Regulation: A DBT-Based Approach to Happiness and Well-being.”
Led by the esteemed Dr. Amna Butt, the session provided an in-depth exploration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing its core principles-mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants gained valuable insights into developing personalized treatment plans and implementing structured interventions to foster positive behavioral change leading to Happiness and Well-being.
Special thanks to Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, Head Department of Psychology, for presenting a token of appreciation to our distinguished guest speaker. Faculty members of Department of Psychology Dr Ayesha Khalid, Ms Iram Mehboob, Ms Farah Shah, and Dr Akram Riaz were also in attendance.
This workshop not only deepened participants’ understanding of DBT techniques for managing emotional dysregulation through, mindfulness, distress tolerance etc but also taught them practical strategies to effectively manage emotions and enhance well-being.
#DBT #Emotional Regulation #Happiness Center UHE
Faculty
Dr .Satinder Singh Rekhi
Designation
: Adjunct Professor
Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz
Designation:
Coordinator, Happiness Center
Ms. Iram Mehboob
Designation:
Focal person, Happiness Center
Trainings
Empowering Faculty to Teach Happiness with Simplicity
We need happy teachers to create Happy students, Happy campus, Happy Communities …
Training programs organized for Faculty Members by the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness in Collaboration with Claremont Graduate University USA.
Session 1: Perma+4: Building Blocks of Human Flourishing
Speaker: Dr. Stewart Donaldson
The session featured presentations by Dr. Donaldson and Stewart on positive psychology, including its history, measurement methods, and the Perma 4 framework for predicting well-being. The discussion explored various aspects of human flourishing, with participants examining the importance of different building blocks like relationships, physical health, and meaning. The session concluded with announcements about an upcoming book release and future research opportunities, while highlighting the global applicability of positive psychology concepts across cultures.
Session 2: The New Science of Happiness: Methodological Issues
Speaker: Dr Manas Mandal
The session focused on exploring the science of happiness and well-being, with discussions covering the development of positive psychology, the multidisciplinary nature of happiness research, and various ontological and epistemological questions about happiness. The participants examined methodological challenges in studying happiness scientifically, including the transient nature of happiness and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. The session concluded with discussions about sustainable happiness, the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and the distinction between happiness and flourishing, with participants sharing personal experiences and insights about well-being across different cultures and contexts.
Session 3: The Power of Positive Emotions and Love
Speaker: Dr Saida Heshmati
The session focused on the power of positive emotions and love, exploring their impact on well-being, cultural expressions, and physiological recovery. Saida presented research on the dynamics of love, cultural consensus theory, and cross-cultural studies, while participants shared personal experiences and cultural practices related to love and affection. The discussion highlighted the importance of emotional safety, connection, and repetitive behaviors in building flourishing communities and improving overall well-being.
Session 4: The Power of Purpose
Speaker: Dr Kendall Cotton Bronk
Dr. Kendall presented research on the importance of purpose in life, its relationship to well-being, and methods for cultivating it, particularly in young people. The session explored the definition and development of purpose, its impact on various aspects of health and success, and the need for more global perspectives in purpose research. The conversation ended with a discussion on future research directions and the importance of understanding purpose in diverse cultural contexts.
Session 5: Leader-Follower Vitality
Speaker: Dr Jamie Shapiro
Dr Shapiro presented her research on vitality in leadership, discussing measurement tools and findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies that examine various aspects of leader energy and well-being. She explored how leaders can positively share and maintain their energy through specific behaviors and self-care practices, while also touching on different leadership styles that impact vitality. Dr. Ayesha Sarfiraz concluded the session by expressing gratitude for Jamie’s presentation on leader vitality as part of the Science of Happiness series, which integrated positive psychology principles with practical leadership practices.
Session 6: Flow and the Psychology of Attention
Speaker: Dr Jeanne Nakamura
Dr. Kendall presented research on the importance of purpose in life, its relationship to well-being, and methods for cultivating it, particularly in young people. The session explored the definition and development of purpose, its impact on various aspects of health and success, and the need for more global perspectives in purpose research. The conversation ended with a discussion on future research directions and the importance of understanding purpose in diverse cultural contexts.
Rekhi HC
Introduction
Activites
Faculty
Trainings
Introduction
The Rekhi Foundation for Happiness is a nonprofit trust started by Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi and his wife Harpreet Rekhi in 2016. The foundation aims to expand the practice and knowledge of “Happiness Science and Positive Psychology†through setting up happiness centers in various universities.
Vision
Happiness for All.
Mission Statement
We create Centers of Excellence in academia across globe to disseminate knowledge through science and practice of happiness.
Rekhi Center of Excellence for the Science of Happiness
The ‘Rekhi Center of Excellence for the Science of Happiness’ was started in September 2016 at one of India’s premier engineering institutes – IIT Kharagpur and is the brainchild of Dr. Rekhi. In addition to providing financial support to the centre, he is also a part of Program Management as its honorary chairman. The goal is to expand the practice and knowledge of “Happiness Science and Positive Psychology†from students to the people they meet in their professional and personal lives, thus growing exponentially in its reach while improving the lives of people at large.
The Rekhi Centres of Excellence for the Science of Happiness aim to promote research, training, education and the practice of well being for students and teachers through the principles of happiness and well being techniques. Our research is based on the concept of improving the quality of people’s lives by focusing on knowledge that enhances positive emotions and positive relationships.
Happiness is an affective, cognitive, and psychological state of well-being. It is about finding meaning and purpose in life. It is the joy experienced in sharing rather than receiving. In the workplace, this happiness is reflected in the employees work output by being more productive, creative, enjoying one’s work, and being there for others. We have often pursued the art of happiness in our understanding and practice of staying happy. Developing a scientific understanding of happiness will help individuals be more optimistic and appreciative about themselves and others.
Each centre has a team of faculty members who work with students in the areas of happiness and well-being. Currently, Courses on individual happiness, as well as, organizational happiness are being offered with, student projects, training programs and research.
Activites
MOU
MOU Signing Ceremony Between UHE and Rekhi Foundation
The University of Home Economics (UHE), Lahore, has taken a major step in promoting mental and emotional well-being by forming an international partnership with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness (California, USA).
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), UHE will establish a Happiness Center and Mind Lab within its Department of Psychology, furthering its global initiative to integrate Happiness Science into academia.
The MOU was officially signed by Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-nisa Hussain, Vice Chancellor of UHE, and Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of the Rekhi Foundation (USA) for Happiness. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, Dr. Ayesha Khalid, Dr. Munaza Rashid.
After singing the MoU, Prof. Zaib-un-nisa Hussain said this initiative aims to foster research and education in Happiness Science, provide a platform for international conferences and seminars, and promote awareness of mental well-being. The partnership aligns with UHE’s commitment to holistic development and its contribution to the global discourse on emotional wellness.Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi, Founder of the Rekhi Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the positive impact of happiness and well-being on UHE students.He emphasized that the Happiness Center will provide students with valuable opportunities to explore and understand Happiness Science, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.
As part of the MOU, the Rekhi Foundation has committed to providing $55,000 in funding over five years to support the establishment of the Happiness Center and Mind Lab: $15,000 in the first year and $10,000 annually for the next four years.
This collaboration is expected to enhance student engagement, academic research, and the practical application of Happiness Science. By incorporating global best practices, UHE continues to establish itself as a leader in emotional and mental well-being research.
Ist Seminar-Happiness Science and Monkey Brain
Department of Psychology in collaboration with the office of External Linkages organized a Seminar on “Happiness Science and our Monkey Brain†on 4th February, 2023. The guest speaker of the event was Dr. Satinder Singh Rekhi (Founder, Rekhi Foundation of Happiness) and the chief guest was Prof Dr Kanwal Amen, Vice Chancellor, UHE.
Dr Rekhi talked about the science of happiness and how our brain is hot wired to think negative and take stress. He said that our brain has two components the logical brain and the emotional brain, the emotional brain is the monkey brain which clings to negativity and constantly compares our life and achievements with others as a result we feel stressed and unhappy.
In order to achieve a state of happiness we must learn to silence the monkey brain.He said that our brain has two components the logical brain and the emotional brain, the emotional brain is the monkey brain which clings to negativity and constantly compares our life and achievements with others as a result we feel stressed and unhappy. In order to achieve a state of happiness we must learn to silence the monkey brain.
Prof. Dr Kanwal Ameen added that our happiness is within us instead of thinking negative about others we should have a positive outlook towards life. Prof Dr. Najma Najam, Dr. Naumana Amjad, Registrar UHE, and faculty members and students attended the event.
2nd Seminar-Mastering Anxiety for a Brighter Future
University of Home Economics, Department of Psychology host an inspiring and deeply insightful online webinar titled “Mastering Anxiety for a Brighter Future”, focused on understanding and supporting individuals on the
autism spectrum.
This meaningful session featured two remarkable speakers who brought both expertise and compassion to the conversation: Rabia Waqar Khan Clinical Psychologist, Counselor (MBACP), Special Needs Trainer, and Founder of the Institute of Professional Advancement, UK Zainab Khan – Clinical Psychologist, Educationist, Behavior Analyst (BACB), and Inclusion Advocate based in Canada Their perspectives shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with autism, especially around anxiety, and offered practical tools for creating inclusive and empathetic environments in both educational and therapeutic settings.
The session was gracefully presented by Dr. Ayesha Sarfraz, Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Home Economics, whose leadership helped bring this vital discussion to life. Students from across institutions joined virtually, making the event not only accessible but also a truly collaborative and international learning experience
3nd Seminar-Celebrating International Happiness Day
The *International Day of Happiness*was celebrated at the *University of Home Economics* with an inspiring seminar hosted jointly by the Department of Psychology, Rekhi Center of Excellence for tbe Science of Happiness UHE and ORIC. The event featured *Dr. Shaista Saman*, CEO of *Save Our Society Foundation*, as the keynote speaker, who delivered a thought-provoking talk on the **importance of happiness, mental well-being, and the profound impact of kindness on individuals and society*. She emphasized how small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, transforming not just our own lives but also the lives of those around us leading to a sense of happiness and wellbeing.
We were honored to have Dr Munazza Rashid (Director ORIC), *Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz (Head, Department of Psychology) and *Ms. Iram Mehbob*in attendance, whose support and encouragement made this event even more meaningful. Their presence highlighted the importance of coming together as a community to foster positivity, emotional resilience, and collective well-being.
The seminar served as a reminder that true happiness lies in *helping others, cultivating gratitude, and spreading kindness*.It was a privilege to engage in such an insightful discussion and to witness the enthusiasm of students and faculty members who are committed to promoting mental and emotional well-being.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in making this event a success. Let us us all continue to embrace happiness, nurture meaningful connections, and uplift one another in our daily lives.
Workshops
The Rekhi Center of excellence for the Science of Happiness, UHE in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, successfully hosted a transformative workshop titled “The Art of Emotional Regulation: A DBT-Based Approach to Happiness and Well-being.”
Led by the esteemed Dr. Amna Butt, the session provided an in-depth exploration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing its core principles-mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants gained valuable insights into developing personalized treatment plans and implementing structured interventions to foster positive behavioral change leading to Happiness and Well-being.
Special thanks to Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, Head Department of Psychology, for presenting a token of appreciation to our distinguished guest speaker. Faculty members of Department of Psychology Dr Ayesha Khalid, Ms Iram Mehboob, Ms Farah Shah, and Dr Akram Riaz were also in attendance.
This workshop not only deepened participants’ understanding of DBT techniques for managing emotional dysregulation through, mindfulness, distress tolerance etc but also taught them practical strategies to effectively manage emotions and enhance well-being.
#DBT #Emotional Regulation #Happiness Center UHE
Faculty
Dr .Satinder Singh Rekhi
Designation
: Adjunct Professor
Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz
Designation:
Coordinator, Happiness Center
Ms. Iram Mehboob
Designation:
Focal person, Happiness Center
Trainings
Empowering Faculty to Teach Happiness with Simplicity
We need happy teachers to create Happy students, Happy campus, Happy Communities …
Training programs organized for Faculty Members by the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness in Collaboration with Claremont Graduate University USA.
Session 1: Perma+4: Building Blocks of Human Flourishing
Speaker: Dr. Stewart Donaldson
The session featured presentations by Dr. Donaldson and Stewart on positive psychology, including its history, measurement methods, and the Perma 4 framework for predicting well-being. The discussion explored various aspects of human flourishing, with participants examining the importance of different building blocks like relationships, physical health, and meaning. The session concluded with announcements about an upcoming book release and future research opportunities, while highlighting the global applicability of positive psychology concepts across cultures.
Session 2: The New Science of Happiness: Methodological Issues
Speaker: Dr Manas Mandal
The session focused on exploring the science of happiness and well-being, with discussions covering the development of positive psychology, the multidisciplinary nature of happiness research, and various ontological and epistemological questions about happiness. The participants examined methodological challenges in studying happiness scientifically, including the transient nature of happiness and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. The session concluded with discussions about sustainable happiness, the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and the distinction between happiness and flourishing, with participants sharing personal experiences and insights about well-being across different cultures and contexts.
Session 3: The Power of Positive Emotions and Love
Speaker: Dr Saida Heshmati
The session focused on the power of positive emotions and love, exploring their impact on well-being, cultural expressions, and physiological recovery. Saida presented research on the dynamics of love, cultural consensus theory, and cross-cultural studies, while participants shared personal experiences and cultural practices related to love and affection. The discussion highlighted the importance of emotional safety, connection, and repetitive behaviors in building flourishing communities and improving overall well-being.
Session 4: The Power of Purpose
Speaker: Dr Kendall Cotton Bronk
Dr. Kendall presented research on the importance of purpose in life, its relationship to well-being, and methods for cultivating it, particularly in young people. The session explored the definition and development of purpose, its impact on various aspects of health and success, and the need for more global perspectives in purpose research. The conversation ended with a discussion on future research directions and the importance of understanding purpose in diverse cultural contexts.
Session 5: Leader-Follower Vitality
Speaker: Dr Jamie Shapiro
Dr Shapiro presented her research on vitality in leadership, discussing measurement tools and findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies that examine various aspects of leader energy and well-being. She explored how leaders can positively share and maintain their energy through specific behaviors and self-care practices, while also touching on different leadership styles that impact vitality. Dr. Ayesha Sarfiraz concluded the session by expressing gratitude for Jamie’s presentation on leader vitality as part of the Science of Happiness series, which integrated positive psychology principles with practical leadership practices.
Session 6: Flow and the Psychology of Attention
Speaker: Dr Jeanne Nakamura
Dr. Kendall presented research on the importance of purpose in life, its relationship to well-being, and methods for cultivating it, particularly in young people. The session explored the definition and development of purpose, its impact on various aspects of health and success, and the need for more global perspectives in purpose research. The conversation ended with a discussion on future research directions and the importance of understanding purpose in diverse cultural contexts.