New Delhi, 06 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized that education should serve as a medium for comprehensive personal development rather than merely passing examinations.
Addressing students during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha at his residence, he asserted that exams are not the ultimate destination but a tool for self-assessment, urging youth to prioritize balanced, confident, and capable lives over mere marks.
Focus on Future, Not Past Regrets
Responding to a student from Manipur, PM Modi advised against dwelling on past mistakes. Sharing a personal anecdote, he recounted a leader calling on his birthday, September 17, remarking that he had turned 75. I replied that 25 years still remain, the Prime Minister said, adding, I do not count what has passed; I focus on what lies ahead.
He urged students to adopt this mindset: Do not waste time tallying the past—think about how to live the time you have left.
Navigating Study Method Confusion
On confusion arising from varied study techniques suggested by parents and teachers, PM Modi noted this dilemma persists lifelong—even after becoming Prime Minister, people offer diverse advice. Seek suggestions by all means, but follow what suits your nature and circumstances, he counseled.
Trust your own pattern fully, but listen carefully to others' ideas; incorporate them only if they enhance it through your own experience, not blindly.
Warning Against Over-Reliance on Important Questions
PM Modi cautioned students preparing for board and school exams against excessive dependence on past papers or so-called important questions. Such narrow focus makes even syllabus-bound papers seem tough, a habit he observed in his student days and which some teachers unwittingly perpetuate today.
True educators, he said, teach the entire syllabus by linking it to real life.Using a sports analogy, he explained: Just as a bowler cannot excel by strengthening only shoulder muscles, studies demand complete preparation—balancing body, mind, sleep, and diet.Education, too, must integrate with every life aspect.
Tackling Concentration and Forgetting
For issues like lack of focus and forgetting during studies, PM Modi recommended a practical approach: teach weaker peers and seek guidance from stronger ones. This yields dual benefits—deeper understanding and boosted confidence. He added that deeper engagement in any moment ensures longer retention.
Prioritizing Boards Over Competitive Exams
Class 12 students juggling board and competitive exams should prioritize boards, the PM advised. Mastering the syllabus thoroughly simplifies competitive tests automatically. He appealed to parents: allow children to progress at their own pace, capacity, and interest.
Curbing Exam Anxiety Mistakes
To counter panic-induced errors, PM Modi shared a simple technique: upon receiving the question paper, sit quietly for 30 seconds and take deep breaths. This calms the mind and brings right answers, he said.
Not knowing or genuine errors are one thing, but messing up what you know due to haste is common.
Linking Dreams to Action
Dreaming is essential but incomplete without action—idling in fantasies is no virtue, PM Modi stated firmly. Aspiring to be an astronaut? Study relevant subjects, read biographies, watch programs, and nurture the interest gradually. He suggested writing dreams privately rather than broadcasting them.
Biographies and Skill Balance
Reading great personalities' biographies reveals how they rose from ordinary circumstances, instilling belief that one step leads to the next. On skills, PM Modi stressed balancing life skills and professional ones: Imbalance topples you, like losing bodily equilibrium.
Call for Viksit Bharat Commitment
Invoking 2047, PM Modi called on students—the most active generation then—to prepare now for a developed India. Write personal resolutions for Viksit Bharat; weave swadeshi, cleanliness, and discipline into daily habits, he said. Cleanliness is every citizen's duty, not just government's.
Gaming as Skill, Rooted in Culture
On gaming, he viewed it as a skill aiding personality growth, not mere entertainment or gambling. Instead of playing, create games based on Indian culture and stories.Prudent AI UseAI is a great teacher, but use it wisely—not just for summaries, but to fuel personal learning and knowledge expansion.
Addressing complaints of fast-teaching teachers, PM Modi defended educators needing to stay one step ahead for challenge without impossibility. Students should pre-study lessons to be two steps ahead; teachers, preview upcoming topics to spark curiosity.
Sikkim's Shreya Pradhan performed a self-composed song in Hindi, Nepali, and Bengali, earning praise: Balance studies, skills, rest, and hobbies for true growth.
PM Modi gifted Assam's gamchha to all, calling it a symbol of women's empowerment and Northeast craftsmanship.
Concluding, he urged treating exams as festivals, trusting oneself, and centering life on truth and confidence: Education is for life, and exams an opportunity for self-discovery.
The next Pariksha Pe Charcha episode airs February 9 at 10 AM.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
