Emotions are strong feelings that trigger reactions in both mind and body. They are complex experiences—better felt than explained. Yet, the study of emotions can be approached scientifically. There are several types of emotions—anger, fear, happiness, and sadness are among the most common. Emotions lead to a variety of responses, depending on the situation and our interactions with different kinds of people. Subjective experience, physiological response, and behavioral or expressive reaction are the key components of emotion.
While emotions are involuntary in nature, feelings are the voluntary interpretation and personal experience of those emotions. Feelings are more complex and often last longer than emotions. Both, however, work together. Every individual is blessed with some degree of intelligence, but there is a pressing need to transform this intelligence into emotional intelligence to achieve happiness in both personal and professional life. This transformation is part science and part art.
We live in an era of commercialization—an age driven by need creation, need elevation, and need satisfaction that appeal to consumer emotions. Unfortunately, due to the selfishness of a few, the spirit of commercialization has entered several spheres of life, creating numerous problems among individuals and even nations. Various techniques of advertising, publicity, and propaganda are used by such individuals to feather their own nests.
A lack of sufficient emotional intelligence affects people at all levels and with varying intensity. Students struggle to focus on their studies, youth find it difficult to plan career growth, the middle class struggles to improve their financial status, and many individuals fail to maintain healthy interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. At a national level, countries waste resources due to the jealousy or greed of their rulers—often provoking others to do the same.
Self-awareness—especially regarding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and emotional control—is essential to transform intelligence into emotional intelligence. Effective communication skills are also crucial for its expression. Emotional intelligence protects individuals from the negative impact of stress, which, if unmanaged, leads to physical and mental problems. India enjoys a demographic advantage compared to many nations, and even technologically advanced countries like Japan seek to collaborate with India to harness the potential of its youth for mutual benefit. Emotional intelligence fosters teamwork—an essential ingredient for career success.
The media serves as the eyes and ears of society. Today, print, electronic, digital, and social media have become inseparable parts of daily life. However, some media outlets tend to sensationalize news stories for reasons best known to themselves. Media literacy empowers readers to think critically and read between the lines. Emotional intelligence enhances this media literacy, helping individuals assess information objectively and calmly.
In earlier times, joint families provided a natural environment for developing emotional intelligence from childhood. Unfortunately, the number of joint families has declined for various reasons. Parents are preoccupied with earning livelihood and providing material comforts for their children, while teachers race against time to complete prescribed syllabi. Different sections of society have their own priorities, leaving little room to nurture emotional intelligence in individuals.
Emotional intelligence enables people to make the right decisions at the right time. It helps them face unexpected challenges and adverse situations with composure. It shapes social behavior in the right direction, encourages respect for the law, and serves as a catalyst for cultivating morals and ethics in both personal and professional life.
At the end of the day, responsible media and responsible citizens together can help individuals develop and refine their emotional intelligence. People with such intelligence achieve greater comfort, harmony, and happiness in life. Moreover, emotionally intelligent individuals contribute meaningfully to achieving sustainable development goals and promoting global peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, emotional intelligence is not just a desirable quality—it is the need of the hour.
