Nagpur: The Question Hour in Assembly on Day-4 of Winter Session of Maharashtra Legislature saw a member Dhananjay Gadgil raising the issue of Government’s decision to celebrate Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s birth anniversary day as ‘Vachan Prerna Din’ (Reading Inspiration Day).
In his reply, the School Education Minister Vinod Tawde informed the members that the Government has decided to celebrate Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s birth anniversary day as ‘Vachan Prerna Din’ on October 15. The main aim of the decision is to ensure students in the State get inspired by late Dr Kalam’s distinguished life. The day could create “Vachan Katta” in students, book bank, quest for reading at laest one book of former President of India, presentation of Dr Kalam’s book to a person, writing contest, etc would be organized on the day. For the activities, the available funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan would be utilized. In this venture ‘Vachan Katta’ (reading by group of children) and libraries would be created. Mobile libraries will be strated in cities like Mumbai and Pune, informed the School Education Minister and that the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Abul Kalam Azad is celebrated as Education Day.
“The next Education Day would be celebrated in the presence of SP member Abu Azmi as special guest so that he should not raise the question of ignoring of Abul Kalam Azan,” quipped Tawde.
Replying to another question, Tawde said that the list of great personalities is prepared by General Administration Department (GAD). If any shortcoming is found, the Department will be notified. He further said that the departments coming under his ministry have been instructed to offer books instead of bouquets. Around 250 books have been received from the visitors during the 8 days of Winter Session. All these books and more received in the coming days will be gifted to local (Nagpur) libraries. If this experiment is carried out by other departments the ‘reading’ aspect will certainly get a boost, stated Tawde.
Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha ( rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com )
