Tejas Lakhani, better known as TJ, became a registered "happiness coach" in order to help combat the growing levels of unhappiness in society.

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"I consider happiness my superpower. I can't fly, I can't shoot webs, but what I can do is smile and spread happiness. Outside the comics and the movies, that's a true superpower," Mr Lakhani said.

"I can't be Elon Musk or Richard Branson or Steve Jobs, let me give back to the world in this way, through happiness."

During lockdown Mr Lakhani started a Facebook page Culture of Happiness, where he interviews the happiest people in Wagga to learn about their tips, tricks, and habits for a good life.

So far he has spoken with a baker, a doctor, and a taxi driver, and he plans to collaborate with mental health services in Wagga to reach more people and pick up more words of wisdom.

Mr Lakhani has several sage pieces of advice of his own that he learnt while studying at the Dharamsala monastery where the Dalai Lama lives, as well as while travelling through the poorest parts of the world.

"I've had tea at chai stalls in India, I've lived with peasant farmers in Bhutan, played soccer with kids in Africa, and it made me realise the biggest thing: that circumstance cannot dictate your happiness," he said.

"The conversations I've had in these countries have been so soulful and heartful. People say the grass is greener on the other side. I say no: the grass is greener where you water it to be greener."

Mr Lakhani said that some of the kindest, happiest people he has ever met have lived in the poorest slums imaginable, and that these people's attitudes to life continue to inspire him.

His own family lives in Kenya, a third world country, and Mr Lakhani said his mother always taught him to chase after joy rather than money.

Mr Lakhani aims to spread joy even at his day job at the Caltex near Docker Street, where he is famous for his infectious smile and alliterative greetings.

He makes sure to wish his customers a magical Monday, a terrific Tuesday, a wonderful Wednesday, a thoughtful Thursday, a fabulous Friday, a super Saturday, and a smiley Sunday, saying it never fails to summon a smile.

He says such small gestures are enough to change a person's mood, saying that happiness is not as difficult or unattainable as some believe.

He says the smallest changes in mindset and habit are enough to bring about large amounts of happiness, enough of it to share around.

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