Fitting tribute: Kalam’s birth anniversary to be marked as ‘Reading Day’ with no bags in Maha schools

When APJ Abdul Kalam passed away in July this year, tributes poured in for the former president from all over the country. Landmarks and schools were subsequently named in his honour. But the Maharashtra government’s initiative might be one of the tributes that will actually inculcate Kalam’s vision of empowering the future of India with imagination. On 15 October, Kalam’s birth anniversary, schools across the state will celebrate Vaachan Prerna Diwas or Reading Day as per a government order. This was announced by school education minister Vinod Tawde soon after Kalam’s demise in July. [caption id=“attachment_2460486” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] To observe this day, the state board has asked all students from Class III to VIII to read non-academic books in class, and instructed schools to host book exhibitions, implement gift-a-book programmes, introduce students to well-known authors from around the world, and hold discussions on books, according to a report by The Times of India . The government has reportedly set aside a budget of Rs 6 lakh for this initiative. With one week to go for first ever Reading Day, a new circular by the government enhances the program by also making it a ’no-schoolbag day’. “Kalam’s writings are an inspiration to students and youth. These activities will help students develop an interest for reading, which is sorely lacking. So we created the ‘school without bags’ plan for that day,”  BB Chavan, deputy director of the Mumbai region, was quoted as saying by The Times of India . This unique idea of going to school without bags is sure to find favour with the schoolchildren, especially in Mumbai, where heavy schoolbags is a concern that even the Bombay High Court has acted on . In addition, the fact that students can enjoy non-academic activities in school is sure to cheer them up. Hopefully, this initiative will be implemented by all schools as it seems to be a fitting way to honour the memory of Kalam.