India vs US School Video: Too Much Burden on Kids?

A video shared by Sonal Bisla, an Indian-origin woman living in the United States, has sparked a strong debate about how school systems differ between India and the U.S.

In the video, she shows what her son carries to school in America. Surprisingly, his bag contains only a few basic things: a water bottle, a lunch box, a folder, and a library book. This simple setup shocked many viewers in India.

In contrast, Indian children often carry very heavy school bags, sometimes weighing between 5 to 10 kilograms. These bags are filled with multiple textbooks, notebooks, and other materials, which can be physically tiring for young kids.

The reason behind this difference lies in how the system works. In many U.S. schools, children keep their books in school itself, using desks or lockers. They do not need to carry everything back home every day. Some schools also use tablets, which reduces the need for physical books.

In India, even though rules like “no-bag days” exist, many parents say the reality is different. Children still carry heavy bags regularly, which shows that these rules are not properly followed.

This issue is not just about weight. It is also about lifestyle. In a lighter system, children get more time to play, relax, and explore hobbies after school. In a heavy academic system, much of their time goes into managing schoolwork.

At the same time, there are a few things to think about. The U.S. system works differently because of better infrastructure like lockers and digital access. Not all schools in India may have those facilities yet. Some people also feel that a strong academic focus in India helps students build discipline and knowledge early on.

Still, the bigger question remains. Should education feel this heavy for children?

The video has once again made people think about whether the current system in India needs to change.

In simple terms, the comparison highlights one clear point: education should help children grow, not put unnecessary pressure on them.