PM Modi's message on Pariksha Pe Charcha: Practice digital fasting, learn regional language & more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students, teachers and parents on the upcoming board exams 2023. At the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023 event, the prime minister said the parents and teachers should take care of children and keep a tab if there is a change in their behaviour, keep them safe and make sure they don't fall into bad company, but teach them that the sky is the limit and watch them pave a way for themselves.

He further said:  "Don't ever shut down a curious person, if you don't know the answer tell them that it is a very good question, I will search for its answer and get back to you." Always encourage a person's curiosity, he concluded.

Every year, the prime minister hosts "Pariksha Pe Charcha" to address the issue of stress and anxiety associated to board exams. Around 38 lakh registrations have been done for the PPC 2023. Students and teachers for CBSE Schools, KVS Schools, NVS Schools and many more took part in the 6th edition of PPC 2023. 

Here is a glimpse of Question and Answer session of PPC 2023:

PM Modi urged young students to study regional languages in his address. "Tamil is the world's oldest language, something we should be proud of. To encourage variety, all Indians should acquire a few sentences in different regional languages in addition to their own tongue," Modi said.

Students asked PM on how to concentrate in exam preparation without being distracted by social media. PM Modi elaborates on the excessive use of social media. He said, "You are smarter than gadgets. Use it wisely."  "I believe students are smarter than smartphones to analyze its right usage. We should monitor our usage and utilize it smartly as per our need," he added.

"People in India spend an average of 6 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?" he said.

Talking to students, PM Modi said that students should practice digital fasting for one day a week to cut screen time. "This will help in reconnecting with family. We should keep one area as no technology zone and do not use any tech devices in that area," he said.
 

Students asked how should they deal with criticism and questions  in a positive manner. PM Modi, responding to the question, said: "I believe in the principle that criticism is a way to purify oneself. However, it is important to address who is criticizing you." He said criticism from family and friends should be taken in a constructive way as their feedback is intended to make you better in life. "There is a very thin line between criticism and obstruction. Parents must criticise in a constructive, positive way," he added.

A student from Gurugram asked how to perform well while being an average student. Responding to the same, PM Modi said it's remarkable that you have realised your potential. Most students are average and these ordinary kids always perform extraordinary in life.

‘Hard work or smart work, what to choose?,’ ask board exam aspirants. PM Modi said students should balance hard work and smart work to excel in life. The story of 'Thirsty crow' is a classic example how to do hard work smartly. He said it is important to first understand and analyze the work and then seek our smart ways to do the work with all strength and dedication. He said you have to work hard but in a smart way.

In his address, PM Modi guided students to not use unfair means in the exam hall. Replying to the query, PM Modi said: "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. We should never opt for shortcuts in life, focus on ourselves."

He said cheaters can use unfair means to pass one exam but will not be able to perform well in life. "Exams come and go, we have to live life with honesty," he added.

Another student asked how should they deal with exam stress and not waste time while preparing for the exam? Replying to it, PM Modi said not just in exam but student should follow time management in general life to live a disciplined life.

"Keep a check on your week's routine and analyze your study pattern. This will help you understand that you spend extra time in activities you like the most. Therefore, it is important that you spend first 30 minutes in studying a subject you like the least and then next 30 minutes in studying another least favorite subject," PM Modi added. 

PM Modi gave examples about mothers. He said have you ever observed your mother’s time management skills? A mother never feels burdened by the immense work she does. If you observe your mother, then you will understand how to manage your time well.

One of the common question asked by the students was: "How should I deal with the family if their marks are not upto th eexpectations?"

Replying to the same, PM Modi said: "Family setting expectations from the child is natural. However, if the expectations are set to maintain their social status in society then it is a worrisome thought." He said parents should not feel inferiority complex if their children score less than expected marks. "Meanwhile, students should understand that expectations itself is a subjective concept and it will remain even if they perform well in exams," he added.

While addressing students at the PPC 2023 event, PM Modi said that Pariksha Pe Charcha is an exam for him as he answers several questions asked by students, parents and teachers

PM Modi on Thursday shared that he is looking forward to the Pariksha pe Charcha going to be held today at Talkatora Stadium from 11 AM. His tweet reads, 'Looking forward to interacting with #ExamWarriors during ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ at 11 AM tomorrow, 27th January.' 

Over 2000 students, teachers and parents have been shortlsted to participate in the event out of the 38.80 lakh registered. The event can also be watched online at the YouTube Channel of Ministry of Education.  Students of classes 9 to 12, selected teachers and parents who registered for participation will be attending the event.

Since 2018, PM Modi has held an annual "PPC" to impart his wisdom on how to combat exam stress and anxiety to students, teachers, and parents. The Pariksha Pe Charcha will be held today in this year.