NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 10 interacted with the students on a host of issues including nutrition, dealing with the academic pressure and leadership during the eighth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’.
As part of the programme, Modi interacted with the students of Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.
Pointing out that ‘gyan’ (knowledge) and examinations are two different things, the Prime Minister said one must not view examinations as be-all and end-all in life.
In a lively interaction with students drawn from various states and UTs from across the country, Modi said students should not be confined and allowed to explore their passions.
Referring to how a batsman would concentrate solely on the ball during a cricket match, he encouraged children to ignore all such external pressure and concentrate on their studies. “Focus on the next ball ignoring the demand for boundaries. Focus on your studies, not being pressured by exams,” Modi advised the students.
Explaining about effective management, Modi asked students to use their time in a planned way. He spoke on issues such as ‘master your time master your life, live in the moment, finding positives, nourish to flourish’. The students asked him about various issues.
Urging parents to not use their children as show-off models, he said they should not compare them with others and instead support them.
Had a wonderful interaction with young students on different aspects of stress-free exams. Do watch Pariksha Pe Charcha. #PPC2025. https://t.co/WE6Y0GCmm7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2025
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of good sleep and stressed that students should not consider that their lives would be spoilt if they did not score high marks.
Modi, however, asked them to challenge themselves and always try to do better than their previous results. He emphasised on the need for nutrition and meditation.
Major takeaways from Parisksha Pe Charcha 2025
- Art of leadership: Modi said outer appearance does not define a leader but a leader is one who leads by setting an example for others. “Leadership is not imposed, but accepted by those around you. Preaching others will not earn acceptance. It is one’s behavior that is accepted. Teamwork and patience are essential for leadership,” he said.
- Beyond books: Academics is not the only path to success and students are not robots. “Holistic development is the key, he said and urged parents and teachers not to confine children to a rigid academic environment, as this stunts their growth.
- Finding positives: Modi advised students to identify good qualities in others, saying that this approach helps build rapport. Those who develop the habit of writing capture their thoughts effectively, he said.
- Finding uniqueness: Modi emphasised that it is the teacher’s role to recognise and nurture unique talents and strengths of children.
- Master time, master life: Modi highlighted the importance of time management, noting that many lack an understanding of how to utilise their time effectively. He advised being mindful of time, setting specific tasks, and reviewing progress daily.
- Power of sharing: Referring to coping with anxiety and depression while managing studies, Modi said the issue of depression often starts with feeling disconnected from family and gradually withdrawing from social interactions. He emphasised the importance of expressing inner dilemmas openly to prevent them from escalating.
- Pause, reflect, reset: Modi illustrated how focusing on identifying different sounds can help in concentrating. Practising breathing exercises can help manage anxiety. Learning meditation and breath control can alleviate stress and help maintain focus.
- Realising potential: Modi said sometimes people become negative due to their own thoughts or the influence of others. He emphasised that targets should be ambitious, yet realistic. He encouraged students to view achievements from a positive perspective and understand one’s strengths.
- Self-motivation: The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sharing thoughts and seeking motivation from family or seniors. Challenging one with small goals builds confidence. These small experiments with self help overcome personal limitations. “I take motivation from 140 crore Indians,” he said.
- Failure as fuel: Modi failing 10th or 12th grades is not end of life. Life should be viewed holistically, not just through the lens of exams. Differently-abled individuals often possess extraordinary strengths and everyone has unique capabilities. Working on strengths rather than focusing solely on academic achievements leads to success. It’s life and abilities that speak for success, not just academic marks, he said.
- Mastering technology: Modi said technology becomes a strength rather than a destructive force if students determine whether they spend their time on non-productive activities or delve deeper into their interests. The key for continuous improvement is to strive to be better than yesterday.
- Convincing parents: Addressing the dilemma of choosing between following family advice or personal interests, Modi said that it’s important to acknowledge family suggestions and then persuade them by asking how to proceed with their advice and seeking their assistance.
- Dealing with exam pressure: Not finishing exam papers on time leads to stress and pressure, the Prime Minister said and advised students to practise previous exam papers and learn to manage time effectively.
- Growing ‘Green Paradise’: Modi encouraged students to plant trees and nurture them. He also shared tips for grow trees with minimal water usage.
To see the first episode of the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, click here.
Tips for students and parents
- Exams are not everything, knowledge and exams are not the same thing
- Develop a habit of writing
- Unique talent of every student should be discovered and nurtured
- All have the same 24 hours and it’s all about managing time wisely
- Focus on the present, share your feelings with your loved ones
- Don’t compare your children with others, understand your children to support their passion, find your child’s strengths
- Learn to listen, right breathing is the key
- Every child is unique, know their dreams, guide their journey, be their support
- Avoid comparing students, don’t criticise students publicly, encourage and praise to motivate them
- Challenge yourself, defeat your past, thrive in the present
- Listen, question, understand, apply, compete with yourself
- Convert failures into opportunities
- Use technology wisely and optimally
- Do not exploit nature; protect and nurture environment