Addressing the event, DeputyPrime Minister Vu Dam Dam said happiness is celebrated on March 20 aseach year on this date a universal phenomenon occurs - the sun is on thesame plane as the earth’s equator so that day and night are of equallength, creating balance in the earth’s celestial coordinate systems.
Vietnam observes the day with the hope for a world of peace,sustainable development, freedom and happiness without wars and poverty,the official said.
According to him, people’s happiness hasmotivated Vietnam to reform, fulfilling the target of a wealthy people,a strong, democratic, fair and civilised country.
Vietnamhas proven itself as a responsible member of the international communityfor peace, cooperation, development and prosperity, Deputy PM Damnoted.
He called on people to join hands in socio-economicdevelopment and poverty reduction, especially among those living indifficulty, while upholding the traditional values of the nation.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said hisministry has organised various activities to popularise InternationalDay of Happiness, as well as the Party and State’s policies and laws onsocial welfare.
On this occasion, the ministry presented awards to winners of a writing contest on happy families.
The annual celebration was founded in June 2012 by the United NationsGeneral Assembly. As many as 193 member countries, including Vietnam,have pledged to jointly build a merrier world.
In 2012, Vietnam was ranked as the world’s second happiest country by the UK’s New Economic Foundation, behind Costa Rica.-VNA