Fireside Chat “Beyond Individual Happiness: Promoting the Wellbeing of All”

The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health – India Research Center, Harvard Business School India Research Center, and the Harvard Business School Club of India recently hosted a fireside chat, “Beyond Individual Happiness: Promoting the Wellbeing of All,” on April 7, 2026 in Mumbai. 

The discussion was led by Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Faculty Director, Harvard Chan India Research Center and moderated by HBS alum Lara Balsara Vajifdar (SELP 15, 2024), Executive Director of Madison World. The discussion began with opening remarks and context setting by Amit Singh, Advisor to the Board of the HBS Club of India (HBS AMP 2019), who also delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks. 

The session brought together 53 alumni and business leaders from across the social impact space to understand how well-being can be promoted in companies and the challenges and opportunities in taking an integrated approach to well-being. It highlighted how individual happiness is influenced not only by personal factors but also by social relationships, a sense of belonging within the community, and the broader well-being of society.  

The discussion explored how social cohesion, community ties, voluntarism, and inclusive leadership can strengthen a sense of purpose, belonging, and shared responsibility. It also reflected on the core value of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, “Si Li Ji Ren,” which encourages considering others’ interests before acting. The session emphasized the importance for leadership to create environments where people feel a sense of security, safety and cohesion, while recognizing that broader social conditions, including equity, trust, and community participation, are central to promoting the well-being of all.