Brainstorming session on lightening school bags

PruthviBut Pruthvi, a class III at Desi Government School, didn't need much practice for the role as it what he does on a daily basis. "Carrying more than 20 books daily and walking about a kilometre from my home till school is a Herculean task. I have collapsed several times under the weight on my shoulders, as my bag almost weighs more than me," he laments, while suggesting schools must introduce locker system so that students do not have to lug around all the books every day. P Venkataramiah, former vice-chancellor of University of Mysore, said: "Seventy years ago, this was not a problem. But now, this has evolved to become a big problem for schoolchildren, parents and teachers. Parents are most worried as carrying heavy bags not only burdens their kids physically, but would tire them mentally."Elaborating on the intent behind organizing the interaction, Ariskere Yogananda, coordinator of People's Legal Forum, said: "Our aim is to reduce the weight of the bags carried by schoolchildren and force the Juvenile Justice Board to look into it."Sreevathsa N, principal of Harividyalaya, said they have a locker system in their school and students kept most of the books in the locker, taking only homework books back home. "I want all schools to introduce this system," he said.Dayananda Murthy, a parent whose child is studying in class IV at Supreme Public School, said: "My son weighs 24kg and his bag weighs 26kg, which holds his books, lunch box, water bottle, pencil and geometry box." His statement made those gathered realize the magnitude of the problem. He went on to add that when his son returns home every day at around 4pm, he is famished and is in no condition to listen or respond to anything. "I can assure you that every child will be greatly benefitted if the school bags become lighter. We, parents, will also be grateful to the authorities."