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Students go schoolbag-free on APJ Abdul Kalam's birthday

Students in Indian state of Maharashtra observed 'no bags day' as they celebrated the birth anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam as 'Reading Day' on Thursday.

 The state education department, asked students to read non-academic books in school as well, made the schools to ensure that students left their school bags at home, Daily News and Analysis reported.

  The decision to celebrate October 15 as 'Reading Day' was taken by the state's Education Minister Vinod Tawde soon afterDr Kalam's death in July.

 In a government resolution, the state had reportedly asked all schools to host book exhibitions and implement 'gift a book' programme.

 On Thursday, Mr Tawde visited a local government school in Mumbai to inaugurate a reading hub, in order to encourage the habit of reading among students, and gifted a book box to them.

 The minister interacted with students and thereafter visited a 'Book Mobile' van with them.

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