Pimpri Chinchwad’s ‘Daptaravina Shala’: Schools Without School Bags Ignite Creativity in Students
In a pioneering move, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched the innovative ‘Daptaravina Shala’ (School without School Bag) program in all 128 municipal schools. This groundbreaking initiative, which commences every Saturday, is designed to alleviate the burden of heavy school bags from students by integrating extracurricular activities into their regular curriculum, fostering a passion for diverse learning experiences.
Under the ‘Daptaravina Shala’ initiative, Saturdays in municipal schools are transformed into days filled with activities such as songs, poetry, singing, quizzes, word games, cooking, art, and sports. The primary objective is to nurture students’ holistic development, fuel their curiosity for new knowledge, and create a conducive environment for creativity within the school premises.
Municipal schools have witnessed a remarkable transformation under this program. During Ganeshotsav, students are encouraged to craft eco-friendly Ganesha idols on Saturdays, enhancing their artistic skills and environmental consciousness. This emphasis on artistic pursuits and environmental awareness has led to improvements in students’ overall development, physical and mental well-being, and their commitment to environmental sustainability, as highlighted by PCMC officials.
Through ‘Daptaravina Shala,’ students are exposed to a wide array of extracurricular activities that go beyond the conventional curriculum. Whether it’s dance, music, fine arts, or drama, these creative programs provide students with opportunities for self-discovery and the honing of their talents. According to Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, this initiative not only broadens students’ horizons but also lightens their mental load. Parents and teachers have welcomed this progressive initiative, which liberates students from the confines of textbooks and contributes to their holistic development.
Moreover, ‘Daptaravina Shala’ offers students a break from their routine, encouraging curiosity and life skills development. This sustained program aims to equip students with valuable knowledge, instill a sense of responsibility and discipline, and prepare them for success both academically and in practical life.
Singh emphasized that the program’s goal is to empower students not only for the competitive world but also for the dynamic realm of creativity and life skills. ‘Daptaravina Shala’ is turning Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Schools into nurturing grounds for well-rounded and accomplished individuals.
