Bag-free day to boost creative thinking & mental well-being of students: Experts
MANSI BHAMBRI | Dehradun
Experts said that the initiative by the Education department, following the directives of Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat regarding the bag-free day, is aimed at fostering creative thinking, as well as enhancing the mental and physical well-being of students. This initiative will be followed on the last Saturday of every month.
Recently, the Education department announced a decision that will allow students to attend school without carrying bags for a total of 10 days each year, providing them with some relief. Experts said that this initiative has the potential to benefit students in a more meaningful manner.
The president of the Principal Progressive School Association (PPSA) Prem Kashyap expressed support for the bag-free day initiative, emphasising its connection to skill education. He said that private schools have already been incorporating skill-based activities, such as baking classes, crafts, badminton and debate.
However, such activities are less common in government schools. The recent initiative of a bag-free day on the last Saturday of each month aims to address the heavy load that students carry. This initiative will also connect them to skill education, which will contribute to their mental and physical development, he said.
Further, the city coordinator for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and principal of Doon International School, Dinesh Bartwal, said that many schools focus solely on academics rather than promoting skill education. He commended the recent initiative of implementing a bag-free day on the last Saturday of each month. This initiative allows students to engage in skill education, complementing their studies. He emphasised that this initiative will foster students’ creative and analytical thinking. Such comprehensive development among students will be noticeable and he said that similar measures should be taken by authorities in the future too.
In addition to this, many students have expressed their support for the initiative. A student, Krish said that this will provide relief from carrying heavy bags for one day each month. Further, beyond academics, students like him will also be able to engage with everyday activities.
