Nara Lokesh’s ‘No Bag Day’: Revolutionizing Education with Fun and Learning

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh’s IT and HRD Minister, Nara Lokesh, has unveiled an exciting new initiative that promises to transform the way students experience education. Starting from the next academic year, every Saturday will be designated as a ‘No Bag Day’ for students in Classes 1-10. This progressive step aims to reduce the academic burden on young minds while promoting a well-rounded education through a blend of extracurricular activities and skill-building opportunities.

The idea behind this initiative is simple but powerful: provide students with a break from traditional, textbook-heavy learning and replace it with a variety of engaging activities designed to nurture their creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students will participate in quizzes, vocational training, debates, sports competitions, and seminars—each carefully designed to broaden their horizons and encourage collaborative learning. Through these activities, the focus will shift from rote memorization to experiential and skill-based learning, offering students a chance to explore new passions and talents.

This shift is part of Nara Lokesh’s larger vision to establish Andhra Pradesh’s government schools as a national model under the “Andhra Model Education” initiative. His commitment to transforming school education has already started showing results, thanks to a six-month-long planning process that is proving successful. With ‘No Bag Day,’ students will have access to a diverse range of activities, from skill tests and club meetings to spoken English and Spell Bee competitions, all geared toward building practical knowledge and life skills.

One of the unique features of ‘No Bag Day’ is the short assessment conducted every week to reinforce what students have learned in class. This assessment will ensure that while students enjoy a break from traditional learning, they continue to engage with their lessons in a meaningful way. Pre-scheduled club activities will prepare students for various competitions, helping them develop skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Special focus will be given to spoken English and vocabulary-building exercises, promoting fluency and confidence in communication.

The initiative also offers an outlet for artistic expression, with students engaging in creative activities like drawing, clay modeling, gardening, and origami during the Creative Expression (CE) slot. This not only fosters creativity but also helps students connect with nature and develop fine motor skills. The introduction of vocational education will allow students to explore practical trades, giving them hands-on experience in a range of crafts and skills.

In addition to these, performing arts—such as singing, dancing, drama, and skits—will be encouraged based on students’ interests, promoting self-expression and cultural awareness. Value-based education, rooted in the teachings of Brahmasri Chaganti Koteswara Rao, will instill moral and ethical principles in the students. Mock parliamentary sessions will offer a taste of governance, debate, and decision-making, while role-play and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Programme (EMDP) will help students develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

What makes this initiative even more impactful is the focus on inclusivity. Special educators, as well as Career and Mental Health counselors, will lead activities aimed at enhancing social skills and cognitive development. With the integration of fun, hands-on learning experiences, students are expected to gain a more balanced and fulfilling education.

Nara Lokesh’s ‘No Bag Day’ comes as a response to the challenges faced by students in the past. A concerning issue arose during the previous YSRCP government, which saw a significant number of students dropping out due to financial hardships, migration, and other systemic failures. A shocking 4,85,662 students dropped out in the last academic year alone, highlighting the need for educational reforms.

Under the new ‘No Bag Day’ initiative, however, the focus will be on ensuring that no student is left behind. By integrating joyful learning into the academic experience, Nara Lokesh is aiming to give students a more holistic education that prepares them for the future. This initiative marks just the beginning of a broader effort to transform education in Andhra Pradesh, with many more reforms expected in the coming months. The Minister is fully committed to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for students, ensuring they have the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.