Mumbai: Students in Maharashtra on Thursday had a 'no bags day' as they celebrated the birth anniversary of former president APJ Abdul Kalam as 'Reading Day'.
The education department, asking students to read non-academic books in school as well, had asked the schools to ensure that students left their school bags at home.
The decision to celebrate October 15 as 'Reading Day' was taken by state Education Minister Vinod Tawde soon after Kalam's death in July.
In a government resolution, the state has asked all schools to host book exhibitions and implement 'gift a book' programme.
On 'Vaachan Prerna Din' today, Tawde visited Zilla Parishad School No 1 at Achole in Nalasopara.
He inaugurated the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Vaachan Katta (reading hub) and gifted a book box to students.
The minister interacted with students and thereafter visited a 'Book Mobile' van with students.
