No Bag Day is a concept introduced by NCERT as part of the National Education Policy (2020), aiming to reduce the academic burden on children. Seeing children walking with heavy school bags on their shoulders once felt “like a stone with a dragonfly!” To address this, a child-friendly initiative was adopted where, once a month, students come to school without their school bags. That’s why we refer to it as ‘No Bag Day’
This day can be used to engage students in both academic and non-academic activities. Through academic activities like debates, seminars, group discussions, role-plays, quizzes, field trip and chart work, etc., students can be encouraged to participate in mentally stimulating and creative learning experiences. These activities also support their intellectual growth, creativity, physical development, and social value formation.
In addition, this day can be utilised to involve students in co-curricular subjects such as art, crafts, work education, and sports. Thus, ‘No Bag Day’ becomes a valuable opportunity to foster holistic development in children.”
Key Objectives:
- Reduce stress and promote well-being among students.
- Foster social and emotional skills through creative activities.
- Encourage experiential learning and community involvement.
- Make learning more dynamic and engaging.
Implementation:
- CBSE schools will observe 10 No Bag Days in a year.
- Schools can plan structured No Bag Days incorporating creative activities, sports, and environmental initiatives.
- The initiative encourages schools to implement bagless days throughout the academic year, making learning more dynamic and engaging.
Benefits:
- Reduced stress and improved well-being among students.
- Increased engagement and motivation in learning.
- Development of social, emotional, and physical skills.
- Holistic approach to education, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.“No Bag Day” was a refreshing experience for our students, allowing them to explore learning beyond textbooks. Through engaging activities, field trips, and creative pursuits, students discovered new ways to acquire knowledge and skills. This initiative promoted:
- Stress-free learning: Students enjoyed activities without the burden of heavy bags.
- Holistic development: They developed social, emotional, and physical skills through interactive experiences.
- Creative expression: Students showcased their talents through art, music, and other creative outlets.
“No Bag Day” aligned with our school’s mission to foster a love for learning, creativity, and well-being. We look forward to more such innovative initiatives that make education a joyful experience.
Mahesh Lekshmanan Siva Mangalam.
