PM Modi interacted with students, teachers and parents fromm across the country

One should welcome technology and use it effectively, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, adding that it should be treated as an opportunity, not a challenge.

He was addressing students, their parents, and teachers in the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' event which was streamed live on various social media platforms for the benefit of lakhs of students and stakeholders.

The 5th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha was held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi and was attended by Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Annpurna Devi, Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Rajeev Chandrasekhar along with virtual participation of Governors and Chief Ministers, teachers, students, parents and heads of various schools.

This year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha was accompanied by the tagline “Pariksha Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath”.

Every year, PM Modi emphasises on examination stress for students and interacts with them as to how to cope with it and reduce their stress levels so that they approach their Board Exams with a more open and healthy mind.

The Prime Minister expressed his happiness for addressing his young friends after the virtual interaction last year. He said that PPC is his favourite programme.

The Prime Minister introduced a new practice in the 5th edition of PPC. He said that questions that could not be taken by him will be addressed through video, audio or text message on the Namo App.

Talking about how provisions of the New Education Policy will empower students’ lives in particular and society, in general, and how would it pave the way for Naya Bharat, PM Modi said, “It is a ‘National’ Education Policy and not a ‘New’ Education Policy. The policy has been drafted after a lot of brainstorming with various stakeholders. Consultation for National Education Policy has been exhaustive. People across India were consulted on this.”

PM Modi further stressed the importance of skill along with knowledge, and added that that’s the reason to include skills as part of the National Education Policy. He also underlined the flexibility provided by NEP in the choice of subjects. He said proper implementation of NEP will open new venues. He urged schools all over the country to find new ways to implement the new technologies invented by the students.

PM Modi said “There is no injection or formula for motivation. Instead, discover yourself better and find out what makes you happy and work on that.”

He asked the students to identify things that motivate them naturally, he emphasized autonomy in this process and asked the students not try to get sympathy for their woes. He also advised the students to observe the surrounding how children, divyangs and nature try to achieve their goals. “We should observe the efforts and strengths of our surroundings and draw inspiration from them”, he said.

Talking about the upliftment of rural girls, PM Modi said that the situation has changed a lot over the years from the time when the education of girls was ignored. He said that the opportunities and empowerment of daughters should be institutionalized.

“Girls are becoming a more valued asset and this change is welcome. He said in the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, India has the maximum number of Members of Parliament in the history of independent India. Daughter is the strength of the family. What can be better than seeing our Nari shakti excel in different sectors of life”, asked the PM.

PM Modi stressed that the young generation should leave a better environment for the future generation, and this can only be possible with the contribution of the citizens.

In this regard, he called upon the importance of the “P3 movement” - Pro Planet People and LifeStyle for the Environment- LIFE. We will have to get away from the ‘use and throw’ culture and move towards a lifestyle of circular economy, PM Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister further underlined the importance of the Amrit Kaal which coincides with the best years of the student in the development of the country. He also stressed the importance of doing one’s duty. He praised the students for doing their duty in getting vaccinated.

Saying that he feels 50 years younger when he is interacting with young students, PM Modi said, “I try to learn from you by associating with your generation. As I connect with you I get the glimpse of your aspirations and dreams and try to mould my life accordingly. Therefore this programme is helping me grow. I thank you all for giving me time to help myself and grow.”