The Hanoi Library on 19 March hosted a book event entitled "Happiness for All" as part of a series of activities to mark the 11th International Day of Happiness in the capital.

Visitors at the book event. Photo: Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports

According to the organizer, the book event aims to popularize the United Nations' concept of the International Day of Happiness and to disseminate the policies developed by the Party and the government to nurture families in the new era.

Featuring around 300 books, magazines, newspapers and other reading materials, the book fair is divided into three main sections.

The first section contains materials introducing the Party and Government's policies on social security and the development of happy families.

The second section is dedicated to the culture and customs of the people of Hanoi, which are widely regarded as the benchmark for others to follow.

The third section deals with the ethics and lifestyle of a normal family.

The reading material is intended to help people understand domestic violence and how to prevent it, promote equality in the family, care for and educate children, and encourage the younger members to show affection for the elder members.

It also aims to raise public awareness about happiness and good-hearted actions in the family as the core of social development.

In addition to the book event, the library also hosted a talk show with Dr Hoang Chi Bao, former member of the Central Council for Theoretical Studies and former chairman of the Institute for Talent Development.

Dr Bao is widely known as the storyteller of the late President Ho Chi Minh, having spent many years collecting and recounting the President's ideas and ethical actions.

Entitled "President Ho Chi Minh's Ideology on Happiness", the talk attracted a large audience.

The two events hosted by Hanoi Library are part of a series of activities taking place in Hanoi to celebrate the 11th International Day of Happiness, which falls on March 20.

Launched by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, they are in line with the nationwide plan approved by the Prime Minister in 2013, and follow guidelines issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organize annual activities to mark the international event.

"With the theme 'Happiness for all', we hope to promote the traditional values of Vietnam and Thang Long - Hanoi on compassion, humanity and kindness," said Tran Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports.

Through the activities, especially the book event, Anh hoped to motivate families in Hanoi to preserve traditions, foster good deeds, prevent violence and contribute to the further growth of society, thus creating a good atmosphere and momentum for the city's development.

The United Nations last year chose March 20 as the International Day of Happiness to motivate people to act and strive to build a world of equality and happiness.

Since 2014, Vietnam has been organizing activities to commemorate the event to inspire Vietnamese people and families to do better and improve their lives and move the country forward.