Abdul Kalam's birth anniversary will be 'no-schoolbag day' for Maharashtra schools

Maharashtra's Education Minister Vinod Tawde had made the announcement that APJ Abdul Kalam's birth anniversary, October 15, will be celebrated as Vaachan Prerna Diwas or Reading Day in all schools of Maharashtra. The announcement has been made by Tawde on July 27 after the former President passed away. Students can leave their schoolbags at home on the day. 

The state government passed a resolution on Wednesday mandating all students from class 3-8 to read non-academic books on the day. Schools have also been directed to conduct events that inspire students to read such books.

According to a report in a leading daily, state government has a budget of about Rs 6 lakh for the day to aid schools in organising book exhibitions, conducting programmes like gift-a-book and inviting notable authors etc.  

Students won't be carrying their school bags on October 15 as per the government order and the day will be kept completely reserved for non-academic books including novels and poetry.

As per the circular issued to all schools by the Deputy Director of school education BB Chavan, "There should be no kind of pressures in class this day and a positive environment should be created. This way, students can read what they like and have fun doing it. Only then will the programme be a success."