Maha to observe Kalam's birth anniv as reading inspiration day

Nagpur, Dec 17: The Maharashtra government has decided to observe the birth anniversary of former President A P J Abdul Kalam as 'Vaachan Prerna Din' (reading inspiration day) across the state every year, state Education Minister Vinod Tawde told the Assembly today.

Replying to a question by Dhananjay Gadgil (BJP) during the question hour, Tawde said the key objective of the decision is to ensure that students get inspired by late Kalam's distinguished life.

"Schools will organise writing, quiz contests and other activities while celebrating Kalam's birthday.

The funds available under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan would be utilised for conducting these activities," the minister said.

Besides, the government would also set up more libraries to encourage the habit of reading. Mobile libraries will be launched in cities like Mumbai and Pune initially, he added.

Kalam, the 11th President of India, was born in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on October 15, 1931 and passed away on July 28 this year.

PTI