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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 20 January, 2020, interacted with students as part of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020’ at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. 50 Divyang students also took part in the interaction programme. The interaction, which lasted for over ninety minutes, saw students seeking guidance on various issues of importance to them from the Prime Minister. This year too, students from across the country, and also Indian students residing abroad, participated in the event.
At the outset the Prime Minister wished all the students for a prosperous new year and a new decade. Explaining the importance of the decade, the hopes and aspirations of the current decade rest on those kids who are in their final years of schooling in the country.
He said, “In whatever the country does in this decade, those kids who are in 10th, 11th and 12th standards now have a very great role to play. To make the country reach new heights, to achieve new hopes, all this is dependent on this new generation”.
Before beginning the interaction, the Prime Minister said notwithstanding that he attends various events and programmes, the one event which is dear to his heart is the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’.
“As Prime Minister one gets to attend numerous types of programmes. You get to learn a lot in such interactions. Each of them provides a new set of experiences. But, if someone asks me about the one programme that touches my heart the most, I would say it is this ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’. I also love attending Hackathons. They showcase the power and talent of India’s youth”, he said.
Dealing with demotivation and mood swings :
To a question from a student and losing interest while studying, the Prime Minister said most often students get demotivated due to factors that are external to them and also as they try to attach too much significance to their own expectations.
Prime Minister asked the students to find out the reason for the demotivation and ponder over how to deal with it. He gave the example of the recent issue of Chandrayaan and his visit to ISRO.
“Today there are plenty of opportunities and I hope youngsters make use of them and pursue a hobby or an activity of their interest with proper zeal”, he said.
However he also cautioned the parents not to make the extra-curricular interests of their children a fashion statement or a calling card.
“What is not good is when the passion of the children become fashion statements for parents. Extra-curricular activities needn’t be glamour driven. Let each child pursue what he or she likes”, he said.
Whether scores are all that matter:
On a question on how to score marks in examinations and whether they are the determining factor, the Prime Minister said,
“Marks are not life. Similarly examination is not the determining factor for our whole life. It is a stepping stone, an important stepping stone in life. I pray to parents don’t tell them that this is everything. If it does not happen, don’t behave as if you lost everything. You can go to any field. There are umpteen opportunities”, he said.
Exams are important, but exams are not life. You should come out of this mind-set, he said.
Importance of Technology in Education
To a question on the importance of technology and its use in education, the Prime Minister said,
While asking the students to keep themselves updated with the latest in technology, the Prime Minister also urged them to be careful of the perils of its misuse.
Rights Vs Duties
To a question on what are the rights of the students and on how to make the citizens aware of their duties, the Prime Minister said that an individual’s rights are embedded in his duties.
Giving an example of a teacher, he said, if a teacher performs his duties then he is fulfilling the rights of the students.
“Today, I am talking to students who would be playing a key role in India’s development in 2047, when we mark a hundred years since independence. I hope this generation takes it upon themselves to act on some of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution”, he said.
How to deal with pressure and expectations from parents and teachers?
On how to deal with the pressure and expectations from parents and teachers, the Prime Minister urged the parents not pressurize the students but to pursue with them.
“The way ahead lies in pursuing, not pressuring children. Inspire children to do things that bring out their inner potential”
Best time to study and blanking out during the exam and Fear of Board Exams
On a question on what is the best time to study, the Prime Minister advised that ample rest is as important as the study itself.
He said, “While mind is as fresh early in the morning as the sky after rain, one should only follow that routine in which one is comfortable”
Future Career Options
On the subject of future career options, the Prime Minister asked the students pursue their heart and work with zeal to deliver for the nation and its development
“Careers are very important, everyone has to take some responsibility. We can always contribute to the nation while delivering our responsibilities”, he said.