For once, students of Government High School, Unaiyur in Tiruchi district did not have anything to do with books on Sunday.

They found themselves relishing the fun in traditional games for hours at a stretch, thanks to ‘no-books day’ celebrated with the intent of weaning away their attention from electronic gadgets.

The idea for such a celebration was conceived by the headmaster, S. Sargunan after he noticed that almost all students were addicted to electronic gadgets during the recent holidays. “I noticed that not even one child was playing outside. They were all indoors holding mobile phones or the laptops which were given to them for free by the government. I decided then to bring them out to play games outside. Soon, I realised that they need some one to guide them through it and decided to do it myself,” Mr. Sargunan said.

Students were initiated into playing traditional games such as hopscotch, or with tops, marbles and tyres.

The first ‘no-books day’ also witnessed C. Subramaniam, physical education teacher, overseeing the games activities. Aim Too High Educational and Charitable Trust, an NGO working for children's education, sponsored lunch. R. Aravind, martial arts coach from Tiruchi also taught the children silambam techniques.

“The ‘no book day’ celebration will be held at least once a month,” Mr. Sargunan said.