Modi interacts with students at 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020'

New Delhi, January 20, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with students from India and abroad, including 50 physically challenged children, as part of “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020” at Talkatora Stadium in the National Capital.

The interaction, which lasted for more than 90 minutes, saw students seeking guidance on various issues of importance to them from the Prime Minister.

Modi, at the outset, 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.

“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,” he said.

Before beginning the interaction, he said, “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 added.

To a question from a student and losing interest while studying, he 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.

The students should 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.

“Motivation, demotivation are very common. Everyone goes through these feelings. In this regard, I can never forget my visit to ISRO during Chandrayaan and the time spent with our hardworking scientists.

“We should not look at failures as setbacks or stumbling blocks. We can add enthusiasm to every aspect of life. A temporary setback doesn’t mean that we cannot succeed in life. In fact, a setback may mean that the best is yet to come. We should try to convert our distressed situations as steppingstones for a bright future,” he added.

Modi also gave examples of how cricketers Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman batted in difficult situations during India – Australia match in 2001 to clinch victory for India from the jaws of defeat. He also talked about how Anil Kumble bowled for India’s glory notwithstanding his injury.

To a question on how to balance studies and extracurricular activities, the Prime Minister said the importance of co-curricular activities in a student’s life cannot be understated. “Not pursuing extra-curricular activities can make a student like a robot”.

Balancing studies and extracurricular activities would require optimal time management. “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.

The Prime Minister 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.”

On a question on how to score marks in examinations and whether they are the determining factor, Modi said, “Our education system determines our success based on our performance in various exams. Even though we focus our attention on scoring good marks and our parents too, exhort us towards it. “

Saying that there are several opportunities today, he asked the students to come out of the feeling that success or failure at exams determines everything.

“Marks are not life. Similarly, the examination is not the determining factor for our whole life. It is a steppingstone, 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.

To a question on the importance of technology and its use in education, the Prime Minister said, “Fear of technology is not good. Technology is a friend. Merely knowledge of technology isn’t enough. Its application is as important. Technology is a part of our daily lives, but if we misuse it, it robs our valuable time and resources,” he said.

To a question on the rights of the students and on how to make the citizens aware of their duties, Modi 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.

Referring to what the Father of the Nation opined on the issue, the Prime Minister said, “Mahatma Gandhi said that there are no fundamental rights but fundamental duties.

“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.

On how to deal with the pressure and expectations from parents and teachers, he 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”

On a question on what is the best time to study, he said ample rest was as important as the studying itself. “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”

On the issue of sudden blanking out during exams, the Prime Minister asked the students to be thorough in their preparation. “I would urge students to be confident about their own preparation. Do not enter the exam hall with any sort of pressure. Do not worry about what others are doing. Have faith in yourself and focus on what you have prepared,” he said.

On future career options, he asked the students to 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.

Online competition in ‘short essays’ was launched for students of classes 9 to 12 for the third edition of Prime Minister's Interaction Programme. The entries for the competition were invited online from December 2-23, 2019 through www.mygov.in

More than 3 lakh children registered themselves out of which over 2.6 lakh students participated in the competition. Selected winners attended Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 and interacted with the Prime Minister.

A painting and poster making competition was held on exam related issues for CBSE & KVS school students and around 725 posters and paintings were received. Around 50 were selected and exhibited before the Prime Minister during the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020.

NNN