Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with students, teachers and parents during the sixth edition of the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' ahead of the upcoming board exams. During his annual interaction with students, he urged the students to focus on their work and not to opt shortcuts to pass the examinations. He advised parents to not pressurise their children for exams as well.
The programme conducted by the Ministry of Education was held at the Talkatore Stadium, New Delhi.
During the interaction PM pointed out that people in India spend an average of six hours on screen.
"This is a matter of concern. Why be a slave of gadgets when God has given us an independent existence and individuality with immense potential?" said Modi.
He also added that the six hours screen time for a gadget user in our country is "meaningless". PM advised the students to use the gadgets wisely.
He also asked the students to adopt “technology fasting” to decrease their usage so that they would be able to spend quality time with their family. He also enlightened the students to believe in their smartness and underlined the major mistake the students make by relying on gadgets.
Also, PM addressed the issue of cheating during the examinations as well. "Some students use their creativity for cheating in examinations but if those students use their time and creativity in a good way they will achieve heights of success," Modi said. He also advised the children not to opt for shortcuts in life, focus on ourselves.
He also urged the students to learn time management from mothers. Students should not succumb to the pressure of exams.
He stressed that parents should not pressure children due to social status, and asked students to focus on their work to come out of any such burden of expectations.
He added students should at times analyse the pressure applied on them to see if they are underestimating their strengths.
Modi said it is natural for family members to have expectations but it is wrong if they are linked to consciousness about social class or status.
Modi also asked the parents and teachers to closely observe the students behaviour. They should not be restricted but you should monitor their behaviour, if there is a change, he said.
Inorder to connect with the history, Modi encouraged youngsters to learn regional languages as well.
"I believe in the principle that criticism is a way to purify oneself. However, it is important to address who is criticising you. Criticism from family and friends should be taken in a constructive way...while negative feedback from rest of the people should be ignored as it is irrelevant in your life," said Modi.
PM Modi also said that 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' is an exam for him too as he answers several questions asked by students, parents and teachers.
According to the Union ministry, a record 38 lakh students registered this year for participation in 'Pariksha Pe Charcha'. The registrations are at least 15 lakh higher than last year, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
