LUCKNOW, Nov. 23 -- Laughter, games, and hands-on learning replaced textbooks and heavy school bags in government upper primary schools across Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, as students of Classes 6 to 8 experienced the first of the state's 10 planned 'Bagless Days'. Designed under the National Education Policy 2020, the initiative gives children a break from routine classroom pressures while introducing skill-based and experiential learning, an official said. At a school in Kamaalpur, Block Rajpura, Meerut, students learned about good and bad touch using posters, props, and videos under the guidance of assistant teacher Sehba Jamal. In Fatehpur, children at a primary school in Asti enjoyed games, puppet shows, group discussions, music, and animal sound recognition activities. Headmistress Asiya Farooqui said the day helps boost creativity, self-confidence, and practical knowledge while connecting students with real-life experiences. "The students will be exposed to out-of-school activities from time to time," an official said. Basic education minister Sandeep Singh described the initiative as a step toward equipping children with skills that could shape future vocational opportunities. HTC...