In a first, schools across Maharashtra, have been asked by the state government to observe October 15 as Reading Day or Vaachan Prerna Diwas. This decision was announced by the state’s Education Minister Vinod Tawde, on July 27, to celebrate the birth anniversary of Former President Dr APJ Kalam.
We have grown up knowing Dr Kalam as an educator par excellence. His humility, easy accessibility, simplicity, warmth and affection for children made them connect with him.
In a day and age, where children are engulfed by academic pressures, this sure is a great beginning to ‘thank’ our dear Dr Kalam for all his efforts towards children’s education. Especially a ruling, where students from Class III to VIII have been asked to read non-academic books in school, and schools have been instructed to host book exhibitions,and implement gift-a-book programmes.
This is a baby step towards changing the giant landscape of the Indian education system.
As kids, we always longed for that one day, when our shoulders were not weighed down by schoolbags, exams and rote-learning. This is a great reason for parents, children and academicians to celebrate and rejoice. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to feel relaxed, ask questions that are beyond the textbook and engage in learning more enthusiastically.
“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,” said B B Chavan, Deputy Director, Mumbai region.
Some of the activities suggested for schools, to celebrate this day, include inviting authors, literature and other subject experts, reading a book that is not a school textbook and teaching students how to read out loud. “There should be no kind of pressure 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,” said the circular issued by Chavan.
Dr Kalam’s love and affection for children, regardless of caste is known to all. During his lifetime, children from across the country used to write to him, asking him questions on various topics. The compassionate teacher that he was, Dr Kalam used to take time out to respond to these queries. We are sure he must be smiling from the heaven above.
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