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Modi talks to schoolchildren on 'Pariksha Pe Charcha': 7 takeaways and reactions

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DailyBiteFeb 16, 2018 | 18:36

Modi talks to schoolchildren on 'Pariksha Pe Charcha': 7 takeaways and reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with schoolchildren at Wembley Stadium in London.

“The greatest lesson I have learnt in life, is to never let your inner student die. And if your inner student lives on, you find strength to succeed,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing students from across the country in a session called “Pareeksha pe charcha” at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, on February 16. The session — conducted just weeks ahead of class 10 and 12 board examinations — was planned to help students deal with exam stress and parental pressure. Speaking about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for a couple of minutes, he acknowledged the importance of student participation in the movement. He then went on to talk about students. After the session, before opening the floor to question, the PM joked about being graded by students.

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1. The first question the PM was asked was about coping with the nervousness that students experience — right from the beginning of the exams to till the results are declared. It seems to persists despite one’s well-preparedness. Several students asked similar questions related to confidence. The PM’s answered them by talking about the equal importance of hard work and self confidence: “Self confidence comes by challenging ourselves and working hard. We should always think of bettering ourselves.”

“While going to school, forget that someone will give you marks or assess you, just think that you are your own examiner,” he added.

2. He spoke about concentration. “Concentration isn’t something that has to be specifically learned. Every person does concentrate on something or the other during the day, it may be while reading, hearing a song, talking to a friend. Staying focused and prioritising your everyday activities is the key to good concentration during examinations,” said PM Modi.

The PM, a firm believer and practitioner of Yoga, also took this as an opportunity to remind students of the benefits of the ancient art of meditation. He said, “I would say Yoga is a wonderful way to improve concentration. Some say it is a way of life, some say it is a form of exercise. I believe it is something higher. If it was just exercise, they would be performing in circuses.”

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He also mentioned Sachin Tendulkar, reiterating the importance of concentration: “Sachin Tendulkar was there with me during one of my Mann Ki Baat episodes, and he’d said, ‘When I play, I don't worry about anything — whether I’ll hit six or not. I forget everything. This is the way. Live in the present’.”

3. The next issue that was brought in front of the PM was peer pressure. PM Modi said, “Do not compete with others; rather compete with yourself. But if you have to compete, choose your opponents carefully. My young friends, you should not worry about how many hours your friends study. What you should be thinking about is if you studied for a certain number of hours on one day, you can better that the next day."

4. On dealing with high expectations of parents and family, particularly during exams, PM Modi said, “Always remember what every parent sacrifices for the well-being of the child. Parents also live that pressure: They won't waste money because of fees. They dream to see their children as something. We should not doubt their intentions. Parents shift the burden of their failures on their children. Parents compare their children with others. Don't make it a social status. Talk about your children and do not compare. Every child is blessed with unique talents. I would request parents not to make the achievements of their child a matter of social prestige."

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5. On taking breaks between studying, and the importance of rest, Modi said: "You have to learn to de-focus to be able to focus. Time management should be worked on as cutting yourself from what you love is not a great solution. During board exams students cut contacts with all social activities but this doesn’t get results. This was because de-focusing is important."

“Sleeping soundly is good for your health. Not just how much you sleep, the quality of sleep is also important. I have a busy life but try getting consistent amount of sleep. I take less than a minute to fall asleep. Similarly, during exams, sleeping is vital but more important is the quality of sleep,” he added.

6. Modi also addressed the bond between a teacher and a student. He said: "In our society teachers are like family members. Such a spirit was more common earlier and we have to reignite this spirit further today. It is important to have a close relationship with them, as teachers play an important role in shaping your future and personality like your parents."

7. Of course, the most surprising remark made by the prime minister was "children of this country are born politicians". He also made a sly remark about the media when a student asked him, "How are you preparing since you'll also be facing an exam in the form of Lok Sabha elections next year?"

To this he said: “If I was your teacher I would've guided you to take up journalism because only journalists ask such twisted questions.”

Of course, most of what Modi said to the children received mixed reactions on social media. Twitter users compared the PM’s advice to students with his political moves.

They were also those criticising Modi, particularly about the mysterious state of the prime minister’s educational qualifications.

Also read: JNU student explains why attendance rule is wrong and unnecessary

Last updated: February 16, 2018 | 19:48
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