India's first World Happpiness Summit 2026 is set to take place in Bengaluru on September 24, bringing together a diverse lineup of speakers including Bollywood stars Shilpa Shetty and Arjun Kapoor, former police officer Kiran Bedi, and lifestyle expert Jai Madaan. The event will be hosted by Happpy AiR – Atman in Ravi, the Happpiness Ambassador, and will be held at New Horizon College of Engineering.
Who is speaking at the World Happpiness Summit 2026
The summit will feature voices from entertainment, public life, entrepreneurship, spirituality, wellness and social leadership. According to the official summit announcement, Arjun Kapoor will be joining the World Happpiness Summit 2026, with free registration now open for the event.
Shilpa Shetty is also confirmed as a speaker. As noted in the summit's Instagram announcement, she is described as "an acclaimed actor, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate" who will bring her perspective to the discussions.
What the summit aims to address
The core question at the heart of the summit is one that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of success: what does it really take to be happy? The conversations will look at happiness beyond achievement, exploring what truly matters in life.
Adding a global perspective to the event is Dr Saamdu Chetri, a pioneer of Bhutan's Gross National Happpiness philosophy. His presence connects the summit to a broader international conversation about well-being and national policy.
"The conversations will look at happiness beyond achievement." — World Happpiness Summit 2026
Why Bengaluru is hosting the summit
Bengaluru was chosen as the host city because of its reputation as a hub for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional ambition. The city's fast-paced culture makes it a fitting backdrop for a conversation about balancing success with personal well-being.
The summit will bring together a mix of speakers from different fields:
- Entertainment: Shilpa Shetty and Arjun Kapoor
- Public life: Kiran Bedi
- Wellness and spirituality: Jai Madaan and Dr Saamdu Chetri
- Entrepreneurship and motivation: Sonu Sharma
- Music: Hema Sardesai
Our Take: A conversation India needs to have
In our view, the World Happpiness Summit 2026 is addressing a gap that many professionals feel but rarely talk about. In cities like Bengaluru, where long working hours and career pressure are common, the question of what makes life worth living is not just philosophical — it is practical.
The lineup is smartly chosen. By mixing Bollywood celebrities with public servants, spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs, the summit avoids being a niche wellness event. It speaks to different audiences and makes the topic of happiness accessible to everyone.
The inclusion of Dr Saamdu Chetri is particularly significant. Bhutan's Gross National Happpiness model is one of the few national frameworks that measures progress beyond economic output. Having that perspective in Bengaluru, a city that measures itself by growth and innovation, creates a meaningful contrast.
What remains to be seen is whether the summit will move beyond talk and offer practical takeaways. Happiness is a personal journey, but events like this can help people pause and reflect. For anyone feeling the pressure of modern life, this summit is worth attending — and the free registration makes it accessible to all.