Namaste,

Just now, I have seen the works of our fellow students who have done some innovations, created various types of models. They have attempted to incorporate the National Education Policy into these models. I got the opportunity to see what the future generation of the country thinks in the fields of water, land, sky, space, and AI, and what solutions they have. It felt like even if I had 5-6 hours, it wouldn't be enough because everyone has presented their presentations better than the others. So, I heartily congratulate those students, their teachers, and their schools. And I also urge you to definitely see this exhibition before leaving, try to understand what it is about, and share your experiences with other students after returning to your schools. Will you do that? I hear a voice from here, not from there, not from there, will you do that? Can you hear my voice? ... Alright!

Do you know where you are right now? Don't you? You've come to the place where all the world's prominent leaders discussed the future of the world for two days at Bharat Mandapam. And today, you are at that place. And along with your exam worries, you are also going to discuss the future of Bharat today. And in a way, this program ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ is also my exam. And there would be many of you who may want to test me. There must be some people who may genuinely feel that certain questions should be asked, the solutions to which would benefit both themselves and others. We may not be able to address all the questions, but the solution of many of those questions will benefit many of our colleagues. So let's start without wasting any more time. Where should we begin from?

Presenter – Hon’ble Prime Minister! Heartfelt thanks for your inspirational words.

यही जज्बा रहा तो मुश्किलों का हल निकलेगा,

जमींन बंजर हुई तो क्या, वही से जल निकलेगा,

कोशिश जारी रख कुछ कर गुजरने की,

इन्हीं रातों के दामन से सुनहरा कल निकलेगा,

इन्हीं रातों के दामन से सुनहरा कल निकलेगा।

(With this same spirit, solutions will emerge for problems,

Even if the land turns barren, water will still flow from it,

Keep up efforts to make something happen,

A golden tomorrow will emerge from the embrace of these very nights,

A golden tomorrow will emerge from the embrace of these very nights.)

Mr Prime Minister! Your inspirational and enlightening address always fills us with positive energy and confidence. With your blessings and permission, we wish to commence this program. Thank you, respected sir.

Presenter – Hon’ble Prime Minister! Indian School, Darsait, located in the friendly Arab country of Oman, which is a partner of Bharat in the fields of defence, health, and tourism, has its student, Dania Shabu, joining us online. She wishes to ask you a question. Dania, please go ahead and ask your question.

Dania -- Respected Prime Minister! I am Dania Sabu Varki of class 10th from Indian School Darsait, Oman. My question is how cultural and societal expectations contribute to the pressure students feel during examinations and, how can these external influences be adjusted?  Thank You!

Presenter - Thank you, Dania. Sir, Mohammed Arsh from Government Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Burari, Delhi, the capital of the world's largest democracy, is joining us online. He wants to seek clarification on his doubts from you. Mohammed Arsh, please go ahead and ask your question.

Mohammed Arsh - Respected Prime Minister! Namaskar. My name is Arsh, and I am a student of class 12th at GSSSB Burari. My question to you is how can we address negative discussions regarding examinations in our environment, which significantly impact our ability to study and perform well? Can steps be taken to create a more positive and supportive environment for students? Thank you.

Presenter - Thank you, Mohammed! Dania Sabu from Oman, Arsh from Delhi, and numerous students like us often find it challenging to cope with the pressure of societal and peer expectations. Please provide guidance to them.

Prime Minister - I have been informed that this is perhaps the 7th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha, and as far as I remember, this question has been asked every time, and in different ways. This means that 7 different batches have gone through these situations in 7 years. And every new batch has also had to face these same problems. Now, while the batch of students changes, the batch of teachers does not change as frequently. If teachers, in all the episodes I have been through so far, have addressed the issues in their schools that I have described, then we can gradually tackle this problem. Similarly, in every family, it is possible that the eldest son or daughter might have gone through this trial once or twice before. But they may not have much experience. However, every parent has experienced this problem in one way or another. 

Now the question arises, what is the solution? We cannot say to switch off (the pressure), to turn off the pressure; we cannot say that. So, we should make ourselves capable of handling any kind of pressure, we shouldn't sit idle and crib. We should try to understand this fact that pressure is a part of life, stress keeps building up. So, we have to prepare ourselves. Just like when you go to a place where it's very cold and you live in a warm area, you mentally prepare yourself that I have to go to such a cold place after 3-4 days. So, when you mentally prepare yourself, it gradually feels easier. After reaching there, sometimes you feel, "Oh, it's not as cold as I thought it would be." It happens because you have made up your mind. Therefore, you don't need to check the temperature, your mind is prepared. Similarly, we have to resolve to win over the pressure, this situation, in our own way.

 Another thing to consider is the types of pressure. There is pressure that we impose upon ourselves, such as deciding to wake up at 4 AM in the morning, or studying until 11 PM at night, or setting a goal to solve a certain number of answers. We experience this pressure ourselves. I understand that we shouldn't stretch ourselves so much that it affects our ability. We should improve gradually. Let's say, yesterday I solved 7 questions, today I decided to solve 8. Then, if I aim for 15, and manage only 7, I wake up in the morning thinking, "Well, I couldn't do it yesterday, so I will have to complete it today?" So, we create pressure on ourselves. We can manage it in a scientific way. Secondly, parents create pressure as well. “Why didn't you do this? Why did you sleep? Why don’t you get up early? Hurry up, don't you have an exam?” They even say things like, “look at what your friend is doing and what are you doing?” This commentary runs morning and evening, and if mom gets tired, then dad starts, and if dad gets tired, then elder brother starts the same commentary. And if that is not enough, then the school teacher repeats the same thing. Then there are some people who say, go ahead, do whatever you want, I'll just stay the way I am. Some people take it seriously. But this is another type of pressure.

 Thirdly, there's also a situation where there's no apparent reason, it's just a perception, and without any reason, we consider it a crisis. When we actually do it, we realize it wasn't that difficult and I was just unnecessarily under pressure. So, I feel that the entire family, along with teachers, needs to address this together. If only the student addresses it or only the parents address it, it won't be enough. And I believe that there should be ongoing discussions within families. Every family should have discussions on how to handle such situations. Instead of having a systematic theory, we should gradually evolve things. If we evolve in this manner, I am confident that we will overcome these issues. Thank you.

Presenter - PM Sir, thank you for suggesting ways to deal with pressure. Bhagya Lakshmi ji, who is a parent, is connected with us via virtual medium from the famous Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for its unparalleled natural beauty and witness to the sacrifices of Veer Savarkar. Bhagya Lakshmi ji, please ask your question.

Bhagya Lakshmi - Respected Prime Minister Sir, Namaskar. As a parent, I have a question for you regarding the peer pressure that students face, which in a way, takes away the beauty of friendship. It instils a sense of competition among their friends. What is your opinion on this? Please provide me with a solution. Thank you.

Presenter - Thank you, Bhagya Lakshmi ji. Drishti Chauhan, a student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Panchmahal, Gujarat, which guides the world with the trinity of truth, non-violence, and righteousness, wants to know the solution to her problem from you, Mr Prime Minister. Drishti, please ask your question.

Drishti Chauhan - Respected Prime Minister, Namaskar. I am Drishti Chauhan, a student of class 6 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Panchmahal. My question to you is that sometimes the competitive atmosphere of exams creates additional pressure to compete with friends. Please advise on how to deal with this? I seek your guidance on this matter. Thank you, sir.

Presenter - Thank you, Drishti. Swati Dilip, connected with us online from Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Calicut, situated in the rain-soaked state of Kerala, which is abundant with natural beauty, is seeking to ask you a question. Swati, please go ahead and ask your question.

Swati - Namaskar! Hon'ble Prime Minister Sir, I am Swati Dilip, a student of class 11th from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Calicut, in the Ernakulam Region. Sir, could you please guide us on how we can avoid unhealthy and unnecessary competition in this competitive world and also how to not succumb to peer pressure?

Presenter - Thank you Swati. Mr Prime Minister, please guide us on how to avoid the concerns arising from peer pressure and competition, and how to prevent bitterness in relationships caused by them? Please guide Lakshmi ji, Drishti and Swati. 

Prime Minister: If life had no challenges, no competition, then life would become very uninspiring, devoid of consciousness. Competition must exist. But as a girl from Calicut mentioned, competition should be healthy. Now, your question is a bit dangerous, and it worries me. Perhaps I am facing such a question for the first time in 'Pariksha Pe Charcha'. You see, sometimes this poisonous tendency, these seeds are sown within the family environment. Even at home, if there are two children, sometimes parents will praise one, sometimes the other. So, whether it's between two siblings or two brothers or two sisters, this sense of distorted competition is subtly instilled in the everyday life of the family. And that's why I urge all parents not to indulge in this kind of comparison between their own children. It instils a sense of animosity and eventually, after a long time, those seeds grow into a very poisonous tree within the family. Similarly, I once watched a video a long time ago - perhaps you've seen it too - where some Divyang children were participating in a race, about 12-15 children, each with their own disabilities. So challenges were inevitable, but they were all running. In the midst of it, one child fell. Now, if they were more intelligent, what would they have done? They might have said, "Well, that's it, one less competitor in the race." But what did those children do? Those who were ahead turned back, those who were running stopped, and they all helped him up, and then they started running again. Truly, this video may be about the lives of Divyang children, but it gives us all a tremendous inspiration and a profound message.

Now, the third issue is, what are you competing with your friends for, buddy? Let's say there's a 100-mark paper. Now, if your friend scores 90, do you have 10 marks left for you? Do you have 10 marks left for you? No, you also have 100 marks, right? So, you don't need to compete with him, you need to compete with yourself. You need to compete with yourself to see how many marks out of 100 you can score, irrespective of what your friend achieves. There's really no need to harbour any resentment towards him. In fact, he can become your inspiration. And if you maintain this mindset, what will you do? You won't even make a competent person your friend. You'll befriend someone who's not doing well in the market, and you'll keep wandering around claiming to be a big contractor yourself. In fact, we should seek talented friends. The more talented friends we have, the more our work will progress. Our spirit will also rise. Therefore, we should never allow such feelings of jealousy to creep into our minds.

And fourthly, it's a matter of great concern for parents as well. Parents always keep comparing their children. They say, "Look, you're always playing, whereas he is studying. You keep doing this, and he is studying." In other words, they always give the same example of the other person. So, this becomes a standard in your mind too. Please, parents, avoid these things. Sometimes I've seen parents who haven't been very successful in their own lives, who have nothing to say to the world about their achievements or successes, so they turn their child's report card into their visiting card. They meet people and tell stories about their children. Now, this nature also instils a sense in the child's mind that "I am everything. Now I don't need to do anything..." That also causes a lot of damage.

Therefore, instead of feeling envy towards our friends, we should make an effort to find their strengths. If they excel in mathematics and I'm weak in it, and if my friend helps me in mathematics more than my teachers do, then I'll understand it better and might excel in it like them too. If my friend is not very strong in languages and I'm good at it, and if I help him in languages, then both of us will complement each other and become more capable. Therefore, please, let's not indulge in competition and envy with our friends. I've seen people who fail themselves but distribute sweets if their friend succeeds. I've also seen friends who score very well but if their friend doesn't, they don't celebrate at home, don't have festivals. Why? Because their friend didn't do well...their friend lagged behind...there are friends like that too. Is friendship a transaction? No...friendship is not a transaction. Where there's no kind of transaction involved, there's selfless love, that's where friendship lies. And this friendship, it doesn't just last till school...it stays with you for life. Therefore, please, let's seek friends who are more enthusiastic and diligent than us, and we should always strive to learn from them. Thank you.

Presenter – Thank you, Mr Prime Minister. This message of humanity will always inspire us in competition. The next question is from Mr. Kondakanchi Sampat Rao, a music teacher at JDP High School, located in the sacred land of Tirumala, the agriculturally rich state of Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Sampat Rao is joining us online and wishes to ask you a question. Mr. Sampat Rao, please ask your question.

Sampat Rao - Greetings to the Prime Minister. My name is Kondakanchi Sampat Rao and I am a teacher at JDP High School, Upparapalli, in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Sir, my question to you is, as a teacher, how can I help my students in giving exams and making them stress-free? Please guide me on this. Thank you, sir.

Presenter - Thank you, sir. Banti Medhi, a teacher from Saira High School located in the scenic Brahmaputra valley and tea gardens of Assam, is present in the audience and she would like to ask a question to the Prime Minister. Ma'am, please ask your question.

Banti Medhi - Namaskar, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir. I am Banti Medhi, a teacher from Shivsagar district, Assam. My question is what should be the role of a teacher in motivating students? Please guide us. Thank you.

Presenter: Thank you, ma'am. Please, Prime Minister, with reference to the questions asked by music teacher Shri Sampat Rao ji from Andhra Pradesh and the teacher Banti Medhi ji present in the audience, they want to know about the role of teachers in helping students remain stress-free during the examination. Please provide guidance for the entire teacher community.

Prime Minister: First of all, I believe that music teachers not only have the ability to relieve stress for the students in their own classes but also for the entire school's children. There is so much potential in music... If we are listening to music with our ears closed... Sometimes it happens... that we are there, the music is playing, but we are lost somewhere else. And that's why we can't experience its joy. I can understand when any teacher thinks about how to alleviate this stress of the students. I may be wrong, but I feel perhaps there's a thought in the teacher's mind about the ordeal of examinations. If the relationship between the teacher and the student is tied to the ordeal of examinations, then the first thing to do is to correct that relationship. As soon as your relationship with the student begins on the first day, from the beginning of the year when you enter the classroom, that relationship should continue to grow until the exams come. Therefore, perhaps there won't be any stress during exam days.

Think about it, today is the era of mobile phones; every student must have a mobile phone. Has any student ever called you? Has he ever contacted you by calling you over the phone saying, "I'm facing this problem, I'm worried..."? He would have never done that. Why? Because he does not think you hold any special place in his life. He thinks his relationship with you is just about subjects that you teach. It's about math, chemistry and language. The day you go beyond the syllabus and connect with him on a personal level, he will surely talk to you about his problems too.

If this relationship exists, then the possibility of stress during exams will indeed diminish. You must have seen many doctors … while all have degrees, some doctors who are general practitioners... They are more successful because after the patient leaves, they call their patient a day or two later to ask, "Brother, did you take the medicine properly? How are you feeling?" The patient will come back to their hospital the next day. But instead of making him wait, that doctor will talk to his patient a few times in between. And by doing so, he manages to heal his patient halfway. Are any of you teachers like that? Let's say a child has done very well. Have any of his teachers visited his home to tell the family that “Your child has performed really well and today I'll treat myself to sweets with you." Can you imagine the happiness of the parents? The child must have told his parents about his performance. But when a teacher goes and tells the family personally, it will give encouragement to that child and the family will also sometimes think, "Wow, we didn't know my child had this capability until the teacher described it. We really need to pay a little more attention.”

So you see, the atmosphere will change completely. And now the first thing is what to do to alleviate stress during exams? I have already said a lot about that. I don't repeat it. But if you maintain your relationship with your students throughout the year... sometimes I ask many teachers, "Brother, how many years have you been teaching? Many of those, who first came in contact with you as students, must have gotten married by now. Did any of your students come to give you a wedding invitation?” Ninety nine per cent of teachers tell me that no student came. It means we were only doing our job and we weren't changing lives. The job of a teacher is not just to teach his students, the job of a teacher is to shape lives, to empower lives of the students, and that's what brings about change. Thank you.

Presenter: The mutual trust between teacher and student is crucial. Thank you for providing us with a new perspective. Adrita Chakravarti, a student from Pranavananda Vidya Mandir, West Tripura, Tripura, which integrates the wonderful indigenous culture, is joining us online. She seeks a solution to her problem from the Hon’ble Prime Minister for relief from exam stress. Adrita, please ask your question.

Adrita Chakravarti: Namaskar, Hon’ble Prime Minister. My name is Adrita Chakravarti. I am a student of class 12 at Pranavananda Vidya Mandir, West Tripura. My question to you is that I get nervous in the last few minutes of the exam and my handwriting also deteriorates. How can I deal with this situation? Please provide me with a solution. Thank you, sir.

Presenter: Thank you, Adrita. Joining us online from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Karap, Kanker, Chhattisgarh, a renowned state famous for its abundant natural resources and is known as the bowl of paddy, is student Sheikh Taifur Rahman. He seeks guidance for relief from exam stress. Taifur Rahman, please ask your question.

Sheikh Taifur Rahman: Hon’ble Prime Minister, Namaskar. My name is Sheikh Taifur Rahman. I am a student of PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Kanker, Chhattisgarh. Sir, during exams, most students feel anxious, which leads them to make foolish mistakes, such as not reading questions correctly, etc. Sir, my question to you is how can we avoid these mistakes? Please provide your guidance. Thank you.

Presenter: Thank you, Taifur. Present among us in this gathering is a student, Rajlakshmi Acharya, from Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Cuttack. She wishes to ask a question to the Prime Minister. Rajlakshmi, please ask your question.

Rajlakshmi Acharya: Hon’ble Prime Minister, Jai Jagannath! My name is Rajlaxmi Acharya, I am from Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya, Jokidola Banki Cuttack. Sir, my question is - It is easy to say you face an exam with a cool mind, but in the exam hall, the situation is so scary, like "don’t move, look straight," and so on. How can it be so cool? Thank you, sir.

Presenter: Thank you, Rajlakshmi. Mr Prime Minister, Adrita, Taifur, and Rajlakshmi, along with many other students, have repeatedly asked this question in previous editions of the Pariksha Pe Charcha, and it continues to be a concern for some students. How to deal with stress during exams? Please provide your guidance on this.

Prime Minister: Once again, the discussion has revolved around stress. Now, how to get rid of this stress? You see what kinds of mistakes are made. If we observe some mistakes in our daily routine, we'll understand this problem. Some mistakes happen due to parents' excessive enthusiasm. Some mistakes come from students' excessive sincerity. I understand we need to avoid this. For instance, I've seen some parents thinking, "It's an exam today, let's get a new pen for our child or send him to school with new clothes." Just by dressing nicely, a lot of time gets consumed in adjusting… checking if the shirt is okay or if the uniform is worn properly. My request to parents is to give the same pen that the child regularly uses. He is not going there to showcase the pen, and during exams, nobody has time to notice whether your child has come wearing new clothes or old ones. So, they should come out of this mentality. Secondly, what happens is that they will send him off by pressuring him to eat certain things like "Eat this because it's the exam day". It only adds to his discomfort eating more than necessary that day. Then his mother might say, "Oh, your exam center is so far away. You'll be late by the time you get back at night. Just eat something and go or take something with you." He starts resisting, saying, "I won't take it." Stress begins from there, even before leaving home. So, my expectation from all parents and my suggestion is to let him live in his own fun. If he's going to take an exam, let him go with excitement and enthusiasm. Let him follow his daily routines as usual. Then what about sincere students? Their problem is that they don't leave the book until the door of the examination hall opens. Now, when you go to the railway station, do you ever enter the train like that? You go 5-10 minutes before, stand on the platform, roughly calculate where your compartment will come, then go to that place, then think which luggage to take inside first. That means your mind starts setting itself before the train arrives. Similarly, it is with your examination hall. They might not keep it open for you since morning, but they allow it 10-15 minutes before the exam begins. So, as soon as it opens, go inside and sit comfortably and enjoy. If there are some old jokes or funny things, remember them, and if there's a friend next to you, share a joke or two with him. Spend 5-10 minutes laughing and joking. Let it go like that. Or at least take a very deep breath. Slowly, immerse yourself for 8-10 minutes.  And when you receive the question paper in your hands, you will stay calm. Otherwise, what happens, you start thinking whether the paper has come or not, whether you saw it or not, how it is, where the teacher is looking, there's a CCTV camera in the examination centre. What do you have to do with the CCTV camera? Let it be in any corner, what's your concern? We keep ourselves busy on these things, and for no reason, it wastes our time and energy. We should be immersed in ourselves, and as soon as the question paper arrives … sometimes you must have seen. If you are sitting on the first bench, but the invigilator starts distributing the question paper from the last bench. So, your mind starts racing, thinking, "He will get it five minutes before me, I'll get it five minutes later." Isn't it like that? Doesn't it happen? Now, if you engage your mind in such things, whether I receive the question paper first or after number twenty, then you cannot change the situation. So why waste your energy? The teacher started from there, you cannot stand up and say, give it to me first; you can't do that. Since you know it's going to happen like that, you should adjust yourself accordingly. 

Once you set aside what is happening around … And we have been reading these stories since childhood, like the story of Arjuna targeting the bird's eye, but when it comes to life, you don't see just trees, you also see leaves. Then you don't see that bird's eye. You also listen to these stories, read them, so this is an opportunity to bring them into your life. So, the first thing is that sometimes the cause of anxiety in exams is external factors. Sometimes it feels like time is running out, sometimes it feels like I should have answered that question first. So, the solution to this is to first read the entire question paper once. Then decide how much time each question will take roughly. And set your time accordingly. Now, when you eat, when you sit down to eat, do you eat looking at the clock that you have to finish eating in twenty minutes? So, you get into the habit of eating like this, "Yes, it's been twenty minutes and I'm done eating." There's no clock or bell for this, like, "Okay, now start eating, now stop eating." It doesn't happen like that. So, this is through practice.

 Secondly, I have seen that nowadays the biggest problem, which is the cause of this problem, is that when you go to take the exam, what do you physically do? You physically hold the pen in your hand and write, isn't it? The brain does its job, but what do you do? You write. Nowadays, due to the iPad, computer, and mobile, the habit of writing has gradually decreased, whereas in exams, you have to write. This means that if I have to prepare for the exam, then I also have to prepare myself for writing. Nowadays, very few people have the habit of writing. So, for this reason, as much time as you spend in your studies daily after school, a minimum of 50% of that time, minimum 50% of the time, you should write something in your notebook. If possible, write on that subject. And read what you have written three or four times and correct what you have written. So, your improvement will be so good that you will develop the habit of writing without anyone's help. So, how many pages to write, how much time it takes to write, you will master all these things. Sometimes, with many subjects, you might feel like, "Oh, I know this." For example, you are listening to a famous song. The song is playing, and you feel like, "I know this song because I've heard it many times." But once the song stops, try writing down the lyrics. Do you remember the song then? You might realize that while listening, the confidence that you had and what you felt were good. But in reality, you couldn't remember it. You used to get prompted from there, so you remembered those lines. And if it comes to perfection, you might lag behind.

My request to today's generation is that writing poses a significant challenge during exams. How much you remember, whether it's correct or incorrect, whether you write correctly or incorrectly, those are topics for later. Focus your attention on practice. If you concentrate on such aspects, I firmly believe that you won't feel the discomfort or pressure in the exam hall because you are prepared. If you know how to swim, you won't fear going into the water because you know how to swim. Similarly, if you have read about swimming in the books and you think, "I studied, right?" You start with one hand, then the other, then the third, then the fourth, and you feel that the first hand goes first, then the first leg. You've worked it out in your mind, but as soon as you dive in, the trouble begins. But those who start practicing in the water itself, no matter how deep the water is, they have confidence that they will cross it. That's why practice is essential, writing practice is crucial. The more you write, the sharper your mind becomes. Sharpness will reflect in your thoughts as well. Read what you've written three or four times and correct it yourself. The more you correct it yourself, the better grip you'll have on it. So, you won't face any problems sitting inside the exam hall. Secondly, someone is writing at a tremendous speed. And you think here I am, stuck on the third question, and he has already moved on to the seventh. Don't get distracted by it. Whether he has reached question 7 or 9 doesn't matter. Who knows, maybe he is writing a movie script. Trust in yourself. Forget about what others are doing around you. The more you focus on yourself, the more your focus will be on the question paper. The more you focus on the question paper, the more your answers will be precise, word by word. Ultimately, you'll achieve the desired results. Thank you.

Presenter: Thank you, Prime Minister Sir. This principle of stress management will inspire us throughout our lives. Prime Minister, among us in this hall, we have Dheeraj Suthar, a student from Rajasmand, Rajasthan, who studies at Government Senior Secondary School, Kondhwa. He would like to ask you a question. Dheeraj, please go ahead and ask your question.

Dheeraj Suthar: Namaste, Hon’ble Prime Minister. I am Dheeraj Suthar, from Government Senior Secondary School, Kondhwa, Rajasmand, Rajasthan. I am currently studying in the 12th grade. My question is how to manage studies along with exercise because physical health is as important as mental health. Please provide guidance. Thank you, sir.

Prime Minister: Looking at your physique, it seems to me that you have asked the right question. And your concern is also valid.

Presenter: Thank you, Dheeraj. Connecting with us online is Najma Khatoon, a student from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Kargil in the famous Union Territory of Ladakh, renowned for its cultural traditions and bravery of gallant soldiers posted at the snowy peaks. Mr Prime Minister, she wants to ask you a question. Najma, please go ahead with your question.

Najma Khatoon: Respected Prime Minister, Namaskar. My name is Najma Khatoon, and I am a student at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Kargil in Ladakh. I am a tenth-grade student. My question to you is, how can we maintain a balance between exam preparation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Thank you.

Presenter: Thank you, Najma. Tobi Lomi, a teacher from Naharlagun Government Higher Secondary School in Arunachal Pradesh, Jewel of Northeast India and a state of multicultural diversity, is present in this gathering and would like to ask a question to the Prime Minister.

Tobi Lomi: Namaskar, Hon’ble Prime Minister. My name is Tobi Lomi, and I am a teacher. I come from the Government Higher Secondary School in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh. My question is, how can students primarily focus on their studies besides sports? Please provide guidance. Thank you, sir.

Presenter: Thank you, ma'am. Mr Prime Minister, Dheeraj, Najma, and Tobi ji seek your guidance on how to establish harmony between studies and a healthy lifestyle.

Prime Minister- Many of you students must be using mobile phones. Some of you may have developed a habit of using their phones for hours. But have you ever thought that if I don't keep my phone charging, then my mobile usage will decrease, so I won't recharge it? If I don't recharge it, will the mobile phone work? Will it work? So things like mobile phones which we use every day, do they also have to be charged or not? Hey, please answer? Do I have to recharge or not? So, just like we need to charge our mobile phones, should not we need to charge our bodies too? Like charging is a requirement for mobile phones, charging our bodies is also a requirement. Just think about it that you do not feel like studying. Just close the window and shut everything else off. That can never happen. Life cannot be lived like that, and that's why life needs to be balanced a bit. Some people just keep playing, but that's also a problem. However, when you have to take exams, there is importance of physical and mental well-being in life. These things cannot be ignored. But if we are not healthy, if we don't have that capability in our body, then we might lose the ability to sit for three hours in the exam. And that's why a healthy body is very important for a healthy mind too. Now, a healthy body doesn't mean that you have to do wrestling. It's not necessary, but there are some rules set in life. 

Now, think about how much time you've spent under the open sky in daylight. If you have to study, then take a book and sit under the sun for a while. Sometimes, even the daylight is crucial for recharging the body. Have you ever tried it? Maybe make it a rule that no matter what, I'll take out some time during the day, so that I can spend some time under the sun. Similarly, no matter how much you have to study, never compromise on sleep. When your mom tells you to go to sleep, don't take it as interference. Most students get their egos hurt so badly that they think, “Who are you to tell me to go to sleep when I have an exam tomorrow? Should I sleep or not sleep? What do you have to do with it.” They do this at home. Those who don't do it don't say anything, but those who do, say that they do it. No one is saying anything. But it's for sure that even when it comes to sleep, once you start watching a movie reel after reel, one after another... you want to hide... you don't know how much time has passed, you don't know how much sleep you've lost. What have you gained - just pull out the first reel... try to remember, you can't even remember... and yet, you keep watching. This is how we undervalue sleep.

Today's modern health science emphasizes the importance of sleep a lot. Whether you get adequate sleep or not is very important for your health. You should focus on that. This doesn't mean that exams will keep coming... Modi ji himself advised to sleep. Create an artistic word here and write as soon as you enter home – ‘Go to sleep’. Show it to your mom and dad... ‘Go to sleep’. Hope you don’t do that. Inadequate sleep is inappropriate for health. There are some people who may have taken their bodies to such a stage that they may be beyond this. But for the average human life, this is inappropriate.

Try to ensure that you get the required amount of sleep and also see if it's sound sleep. You should aim for deep sleep. You'll be surprised... those teachers sitting there, the ones of older age... they'll surely be startled upon hearing this. Even today, with so much work I have... I may not have as much as you have, but there are no exceptions for 365 days... If I lie down on the bed, I'm drawn towards deep sleep within 30 seconds... It takes me 30 seconds. Some of you may be very young... You must be tossing in your bed sometimes here, sometimes there and then sleep comes. Why? During the rest of my waking hours, I'm very awake. So when I'm awake, I'm fully awake, and when I'm asleep, I'm fully asleep. And that balance... older people may be troubled... what to do, we don't even get sleep; we keep tossing and turning for half an hour. And you can achieve this.

Then there's the topic of nutrition... balanced diet and at your age... the things necessary at that age, whether they are in your diet or not... You may like one thing and you keep eating it... your stomach may feel full... sometimes your mind may feel satisfied... but it may not fulfil the body's requirements.

The period of 10th and 12th grade exams is such that when you have the exam environment, decide one thing: I will fulfil my body's requirements as much as needed. Parents should also not do this... Today I have made halwa, eat a little more. Sometimes parents also feel that if they serve a larger quantity, the child will be happy... No, it's about their body... And for this, it's not about richness or poverty; it's about utilizing what's available. Everything is present there... even the cheaper options that can cater to our nutrition. And that's why balance in our diet... is equally important for our health.

And then there's exercise - whether you do wrestling-type exercises or not, that's a different matter... but you should exercise for fitness. Just like brushing your teeth daily... similarly, no compromise... exercise should be done. I have seen some kids who go to the roof with their books... they keep studying... manage both tasks... there's nothing wrong with that. They study and get some sunlight too... they also get some exercise. You should find some way to keep yourself physically active. You should dedicate 5 minutes, 10 minutes to physical activity. If you can do more, it's great. If you incorporate these things easily, amidst the stress of exams, everything will work out. If you don't do these, it won't work out. Maintain balance, it will benefit you greatly. Thank you.

Presenter - PM Sir, you have also given us the same message in Exam Warrior... The more you play, the more you will shine. Thank You PM Sir. Madhumita Mallick, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, a state rich in artistry and skills, the immortal land of Rabindranath Tagore, wants to ask us a question through virtual medium. Madhumita, please ask your question.

Madhumita – Hon’ble Prime Minister, Namaskar. My name is Madhumita Mallick. I am a student of class 11th Science at Kendriya Vidyalaya Barrackpore (Army), Kolkata Region. My question to you is what advice would you give to those students who are uncertain about their career or feel pressured to choose a specific career or profession? Please provide me guidance on this subject. Thank you, sir.

Presenter: Thank you, Madhumita. PM Sir, Aditi Tanwar, a student of The Millennium School, Panipat, Haryana, the land of the teachings of Lord Krishna, and the state of brave athletes, has joined us through an online medium and seeks guidance from you. Aditi, please ask your question.

Aditi Tanwar: Respected Prime Minister, Namaskar. My name is Aditi Tanwar, and I am a student of class eleven at The Millennium School, Panipat, Haryana. My question to you is that I have chosen humanities as my subject, and people often mock me for it. I like this subject, which is why I chose it. But sometimes, it becomes difficult to handle these taunts. How can I manage them and overlook them? I seek guidance from you on this matter. Thank you, sir, Namaskar.

Presenter: Thank you, Aditi. Madhumita, Aditi, and some other students experience pressure in choosing a career in their lives. Sir, how can we solve the problem of the mental pressure of choosing a particular career or stream?

Prime Minister: I don't think you are confused yourself. I don't believe you are personally in a state of confusion. The reality is that you lack confidence in yourself. You have doubts about your own thinking. That's why you keep asking 50 people, "What do you think if I do this... what do you think if I do that?" You don't know yourself. And because of that, you become dependent on someone else's advice. And the person who seems more appealing to you, and whose advice seems the simplest, you adopt that. For example, I said those who play will achieve a lot; those who go home with this resolution... Modi ji said, "Play and shine." Now I won't study because... he has chosen what he likes.

I think that the worst situation is confusion... indecisiveness. Indecisiveness... you must have heard the old story... Someone was driving a car and a dog couldn't decide, should I go this way or that, and in the end, he ended up dying under the car. That's what happens... if he knew that going that way might save them, then maybe the driver could have saved them. But going here... going there... then no matter how expert the driver is, he won't be able to save. We should avoid uncertainty as well as indecision. And before making a decision, we should weigh all the options as much as possible.

The second thing is, sometimes some people think that cleanliness is such a trivial matter. Now, if we look at it from the perspective of the Prime Minister, is it a very trivial matter or not? Anybody might say, "Oh, the Prime Minister has so many tasks... he keeps talking about cleanliness." But when I delved into it, every time I devoted my attention to it, I found it to be a significant tool. Today, cleanliness has become the prime agenda of the country, hasn't it? Cleanliness was a small issue, but when I put my heart into it, it became very significant. Therefore, let's not think... You must have seen that sometimes you couldn't finish reading something completely, but your attention was caught when someone said that in the last ten years, Bharat’s market in the field of art and culture has increased 250 times. Earlier, if someone used to paint, parents would say, "Study first. Do painting in the vacations." They didn't realize that painting could also be an important aspect of life. And that's why we shouldn't underestimate anything. If we have the capability, we will infuse it with significance. We should have the capability. And whatever you take in your hands... immerse yourself in it completely... but if we are half-hearted... "He took this... I should have taken that, it might have been better." This dilemma can land you in a lot of troubles.

Today, the National Education Policy has made things much easier for you. You are excelling in one field, but if you feel like trying something else, you can shift. You can change your stream. There is no need for you to be bound by any particular stream; you can progress on your own. And that's why now, in education too … I was just watching an exhibition, I was seeing how the talent of children is being showcased, it's really impressive.

The government's I&B ministry which communicates the government's schemes... these children have done a much better job than the people managing the ministry. The importance of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) has been portrayed so brilliantly. This means that we should be decisive in any situation. Once you get into the habit of being decisive, confusion disappears. Otherwise, you must have seen that sometimes we go to a restaurant with our family... Remember? I don't get the opportunity, but you might. You go to the restaurant... At first, you think I'll order this... then you see something on the next table and say no, I won't order this. Then you see the waiter bringing something else. Then you decide against your orders. “Okay, cancel my two orders, bring me that.” Now, his stomach will never be satisfied. He will never be content, and when the dish arrives, he'll think, why didn't I order the previous one, it would have been better. People who can't make decisions at the dining table can never enjoy the restaurant or the food. You have to become decisive. If your mother asks you every morning what you want to eat today and presents you with 50 varieties... What will you do? After thinking for a while, you will eventually come back to what you eat regularly.

I understand that we need to develop the habit of being decisive. Before making a decision, we should look at 50 things in detail, see their pros and cons, ask someone for the pros and cons... but after that, we should be decisive. And that's why confusion is not good for anyone in any situation. Indecision and indecisiveness are bad, and we should come out of it. Thank you.

Presenter - Sir, success lies in the clarity of decision-making... Your statement will always be remembered. Thank you. Deepshri, a student of Government Higher Secondary School, Sedarapet, a renowned city in Puducherry known for its serene beaches, picturesque streets, and cultural diversity, is among us in this auditorium and wishes to ask her question. Deepshri, please ask your question.

Deepshri - Namaste, Vanakkam Hon’ble Prime Minister sir.

Prime Minister – Vanakkam, Vanakkam.

Deepshri – My name is Deepshri. I am from Government Higher Secondary School, Sedarapet, Puducherry. My question is how we can build our trust in our parents that we are working hard. Thank You Sir.

Presenter - Thank you, Deepshri. Mr Prime Minister, how can we convince our parents that we are working hard? Deepshri seeks guidance from you on this matter.

Prime Minister - You have asked a question, but behind the question is another question in your mind, which you are not asking. The second question is that there is mistrust in the entire family. There is a trust deficit, and you have analysed the situation very well. You presented your question in such a way that no one in the house gets angry, but it is a matter of concern, for both the teachers and the parents. What is the reason that we are experiencing a trust deficit in our family life? If we experience trust deficit in family life, then this is a matter of great concern. And this trust deficit does not occur suddenly... It happens after a long period. And that's why every parent, every teacher, every student should keep analyzing their behaviour very carefully. After all, why don't parents trust my words... somewhere there must have been such things that led them to change their mind towards me? Sometimes you might have told your parents that you are going to meet your friend and if parents later find out that you didn't go there, then the trust deficit begins. She had said she would go there, but later when the parents found out that she didn't go there but you said that I had decided to go there but my mind changed on the way, so I went somewhere else. So this situation of trust deficit will never arise. And as a student, we should definitely think about it. For example, you said, "Mom, you sleep, don't worry, I'll study." And if Mom quietly finds out that you are sleeping, then there will be a trust deficit. Your Mom would feel that he said he would study, but he is not studying, he is asleep.

You said you wouldn't touch the mobile phone for a week, but Mom is quietly noticing that you are using the phone ... so then the trust deficit arises. Do you truly follow what you say? If you do, then I don't believe that parents or teachers will create such a situation of trust deficit, a cause of disbelief towards you. In the same way, parents should also think. Some parents have such habits, like suppose a mother has cooked a very good meal and the son comes. For some reason, he is not in the mood to eat or has eaten very little, so what will the mother say... hmm, you must have eaten somewhere on the way, surely you must have eaten your fill at someone's house. So then it hurts him and he doesn't tell the truth. Then to keep the mother happy, whether he likes it or not, he eats a bit. This is how the trust deficit develops. Every household must be experiencing this situation. For example, your mother or your father might have given you money and told you that 100 rupees is for you for a month. This is your pocket money. And then they ask you every third day, what did you do with that 100 rupees?  You gave the money for 30 days, didn't you? He has not come to you asking for more money. So, have trust in him. If you didn't have trust in him, then you shouldn't have given the money to your son. In most cases, it happens with parents. They ask every day about 100 rupees... There's a way to ask, someone might say - Son, we didn't have much money that day, hence we gave you only 100 rupees. Don't worry, if you need more, tell me. So that son would not feel otherwise that his parents gave him 100 rupees ... Now you are clapping because it was to your liking. 

Instead of asking what you did with that 100 rupees, if they say that if you require more tell us, the son will definitely say, "Mom, I have money, it's sufficient for me." That is how our way of communicating with each other should be. It is the same with the education, our expectations from our children. "Why didn't you get good marks? You don't study, you don't pay attention, you don't sit in class, you must be wasting  your time by chatting with your friends." Try to understand. They might have money, they might have gone to watch a movie or they might be watching reels on their mobile phones. Then both the parents and the child indulge in a kind of conversation which leads to the growing distance. Firstly, trust ends, then distance increases, and this distance sometimes pushes children towards depression. And that's why it is very necessary for parents to realize what they say.

Similarly, teachers should be forthright with their students so that they can easily express themselves. If a student doesn't understand a question, a teacher should explain without rebuking. Sometimes what happens is that they say "You won't understand anything, don't waste your time and sit here quietly." Sometimes what teachers do is that they become very fond of the 4-5 talented students, they get attached to them, while they don’t bother about the rest of the class, whether there are 20 or 30 students. The teachers leave those students to their destiny. They invest their attention in these 2-4 students, praising them continuously, solely focusing on their results. Now, how much those students can progress is a different matter, but they let down the rest of the students. Therefore, please treat all students as equal. Treat everyone equally. Yes, whoever is sharp will progress himself. But for those who need it the most, if you appreciate their qualities, even symptomatically, it will do wonders.

 Sometimes there might be a child who is weak in studies, but his handwriting is good. The teacher can boost his confidence by going to his seat and telling him, "Wow, your handwriting is very excellent. How smart you are." If there's a dull student in a class, and you tell him, "Hey, your clothes are very neat, your clothes are very nice." He will develop confidence within him. He will start opening up with you and will start talking to you because he will feel that you are paying attention to him. If this natural environment is created, I believe there will be no trust deficit. However, it's not just the responsibility of teachers but also of students. We should introspect about what actions of mine led the family members in our homes to lose trust in me. Under any circumstances, the trust of our family, our teachers should not be lost in us because of our behaviour.

Another thing I think we can try in the family... Let's assume your son or daughter has five friends. Make it a point that all five families will gather together once a month, for two hours, rotating among each family each month. Everyone, young and old, will participate; it's not like two people will be left at home. If the parents of 80-year-olds are physically fit, they should also join. Then, it should be decided that the mother of one of the friends will narrate a positive story from a book. Next time, the same thing should be done with a difference at the house of a friend whose turn has come to host the event. His father will share the story of a positive movie which he has watched. Whenever you have a one-hour get-together, focus only on examples and discuss positive things, without any references. You'll see that positivity will gradually permeate. And this positivity will not only be towards your children but will also create an environment of trust within each individual. You'll all become a unit, helping each other, and I believe we should keep experimenting with such practices. Thank you.

Presenter - PM Sir, trust is important in families, and your message will bring happiness to our homes. Thank you, PM Sir. Mr. Chandresh Jain, a parent from the holy city of Pune, Maharashtra, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, is joining this program online. Chandresh Jain ji wishes to ask you a question, Prime Minister. Chandresh ji, please ask your question.

Chandresh Jain – Hon’ble Prime Minister ji, greetings to you. My name is Chandresh Jain, and I am a parent. I have a question for you: don't you think that nowadays children have stopped using their brains and have become more dependent on technology because everything is available at their fingertips? How can one enlighten this younger generation to aspire to be masters of technology rather than its slaves? Please provide guidance. Thank you.

Presenter: Thank you, Chandresh ji. Mrs. Pooja Srivastava, another parent from Ramgarh district in Jharkhand, the birthplace of the tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, has joined this program through online medium. She wishes to seek a solution to her concern by asking a question to the Prime Minister. Pooja, please proceed with your question.

Pooja Srivastava : Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir. My name is Kumari Pooja Srivastava. I am a parent of Priyanshi Srivastava studying in Shri Gurunanak Public School, Ramgarh, Jharkhand. Sir, I want to ask how I can manage my daughter’s studies by using social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter. Please guide me on this. Thank You Sir.  

Presenter: Thank you, Ma'am. Abhinav Rana, a student from T.R. DAV School Kangoo in the foothills of the Shivalik Mountains in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, is joining us online. He wishes to ask a question to the Prime Minister. Abhinav, please go ahead and ask your question.

Abhinav Rana – Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir, Namaskar. My name is Abhinav Rana, I am a student of T.R. DAV Public Senior Secondary School Kangoo Distt. Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Sir, my question is how can we educate and encourage students to manage exam stress effectively while also harnessing the benefits of mobile technology as a tool for learning rather than let it become a distraction during precious study periods. Thank You Sir.        

Presenter: Thank you, Abhinav. Prime Minister Sir, many individuals like Chandresh Jain, Pooja, and Abhinav are concerned about the increasing pressure of social media and technology in their lives. How can they protect themselves from these adverse effects? Please provide appropriate guidance on this matter.

Prime Minister – Look, it has been said in our scriptures and also in everyday life that excess of anything is not good. Everything should have a limit; it should be based on that. Suppose, your mother has made a very good meal... it's rich in nutrition... the taste is to your liking... it's also mealtime... but you keep eating, eating, eating, she keeps serving. Is this possible? Is it possible? At one point, you will have to tell your mother... no mom, that's enough, I can't eat anymore. Do you do it or not? It was your favourite dish, rich in nutrition of all kinds, it was mealtime, yet there comes a stage when that food can trouble you, make you vomit, deteriorate your health, no matter how much you love it... You have to stop. Do you have to stop or not?

Similarly, there are many things on mobile phones which you like.  There are many things, but still some time has to be fixed. I have seen these days... many people whenever you see... seem addicted to mobile phones. You might have also noticed the mobile phone in my hand sometime... You will rarely find a mobile phone in my hand. Because I know what is the most productive use of my time. While I also believe that the mobile phone is also a very necessary tool for information for me. But how to use it... how much to use... I should have discretion about it. Today it is the concern of every parent. There may hardly be any exception. Parents themselves might be stuck on mobile phones all day, but they want their child to stay away from it. And you might have seen... the biggest disadvantage of it ... it distorts your life. If you look at your family, four people in the house are sitting in four corners and forwarding messages to each other. They won’t get up and show the mobile phone to others saying that they have received this message. Why? It is a secret. This has also led to creating a lot of distrust nowadays. If the mother touches the mobile phone, a storm sweeps the house. “Who are you to touch my mobile phone” ... this happens or not.

I am of the view that there should be some rules in the family. For example, no electronic gadgets should be on the dining table while eating. No means, nothing at all. Everyone will engage in conversations, chitchat while eating. We can follow this discipline in the house... I have said it before, I say it again... no gadget zone, which means no entry of gadgets in one particular room. We will sit, talk and chat. It's necessary for the atmosphere of warmth within the family.

Thirdly, now we can't avoid technology, we shouldn't consider technology a burden, we shouldn't run away from technology, but it is equally essential to learn its proper usage. If you are familiar with technology... your parents may not have full knowledge... your first task should be to discuss with them what all is available on the mobile phone today... educate them... Take them into confidence and show them that you get the important information regarding Maths, Chemistry, or History. I see mobile phone for this purpose and you should also see. So they will also take some interest, otherwise what will happen... every time they will think that you are stuck with your friends on the mobile phone, or you are watching reels on the mobile phone. If they know that there are these valuable things in it, they will not disprove it. However, it doesn't mean showing great things to make parents fools and then doing something else... that can't happen. Everyone in our family should know what's going on. If the lock code of our mobile phones is known to everyone in the family, what harm will it cause? If every member of the family knows the lock code of everybody’s mobile phone... if such transparency comes, you'll be saved from many troubles. In other words, everybody will be having a separate mobile phone, but if its password is known to everyone, then it will be good.

Additionally, you can also download apps that monitor your screen time. They will tell you how much screen time you have had today, how much time you have spent here. You have spent this much time... it gives you messages right on the screen. It alerts you. The more such alert tools there are, the more we should integrate them with our gadgets so that we also know... yes buddy, it's been too much now, I should stop... at least it alerts us. At the same time, how can we use it positively? For instance, if I'm writing something, but... I can't find a good word, so I need a dictionary.

I can take advantage of the digital system. Suppose I'm doing something and I don't remember any arithmetic formula. Let's say I've taken the support of a digital tool and asked it. What happened? It will be beneficial, but if I don't even know what features my mobile phone has, then what will I use? And that's why I feel that sometimes we should discuss the positive aspects of mobile phones even in the classroom. What things can be used positively. Sometimes we should spend 10-15 minutes in the classroom discussing these features. A student will share his experience, saying that I found that website and it's a good website for the students. I saw that website, it provides good learning for that subject and good lessons are available there. Suppose a tour is planned, we have a tour program and children are going to Jaisalmer. Everyone should be told to go online, make a complete project report on Jaisalmer. So the habit of using it in a positive way should be developed. Students should realise that there are many facilities available to help them. The more positive use you have, the more benefit you will get. And I urge you not to run away from it. But we need to use everything wisely and with transparency in the whole family. If we have to sneak around and see, then something is wrong. The more transparency there is, the more benefit there will be. Thank you very much.

Presenter: Thank you, PM Sir. Balance is crucial for success in life. This mantra will guide us on the right path. Thank you. Hailing from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi's birthplace, a student from Model Senior Secondary School, M. Vagesh, has joined us online, and he would like to ask a question to the Prime Minister. M. Vagesh, please ask your question.

M. Vagesh – Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir Namaste, My name is M Vagesh, I am a student of Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur Chennai. My question is how you handle stress and pressure in the super strong position as a Prime Minister, what is your key factor of controlling stress. Thank you.

Prime Minister: Do you also aspire to become one? Are you preparing for it?

Presenter: Thank you, M. Vagesh for your question. This is the last question of today's discussion. Sneha Tyagi, a student from Dynasty Modern Gurukul Academy in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, renowned for its natural beauty, is joining us online and would like to ask a question to the Prime Minister. Sneha, please go ahead and ask your question.

Sneha Tyagi: Divine, incomparable, with unparalleled courage, you are the creator of several eras, the marvelous future of Incredible India. Respectful Prime Minister Modi ji, I offer my humble respects to you from Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. My name is Sneha Tyagi. I am a student of Class Seven at Dynasty Modern Gurukul Academy, Chhinki Farm, Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar. My question to the Hon’ble Prime Minister is, how can we become as positive as you? Thank you, sir.

Presenter: Thanks, Neha. Prime Minister ji, how do you handle pressure in your busy life, and despite facing so much pressure, how do you always stay positive? How do you manage to do all this? Please share the secret of your positive energy with us, Prime Minister ji.

Prime Minister - There could be many answers to this. Firstly, I am glad that you understand the pressure the Prime Minister has to endure. Otherwise, you might think it's just a matter of flying in airplanes, helicopters, what does he have to do, just go from here to there, but you know it's much more than that, day in and day out. In fact, in everyone's life, there are many additional things beyond their situation that they have to manage. Things that they didn't anticipate, such things come into personal life, into family life, and then they have to handle them too. Now, it's human nature that when a big storm comes, some might say let's sit for a while and then leave when it is over or if there is some crisis, we wait for it to pass. Perhaps such people cannot achieve much in life. My nature is such that I consider every challenge as an opportunity. I find it very useful. I challenge every crisis. I don’t sleep over expecting that challenges will come and situations will improve. And because of that, I get the opportunity to learn new things. New ways, new experiments and new strategies to deal with every situation … This is my way and it is evolving naturally as part of my growth. Secondly, I have immense confidence within me. I always believe that whatever it is, I have 1.4 billion fellow citizens with me. If there are 100 million challenges, then there are solutions in billions. I never feel alone, I never feel like it's all up to me. I always know that my country is strong, its people are strong, the minds of my country's people are strong, and we will overcome every challenge. This fundamental belief is the cornerstone of my thinking. And because of this, I never feel like, "Oh, this crisis has befallen on me, what I will do?" I think, "No, no, there are 1.4 billion people, they will handle it." Okay, if I have to lead, and if something goes wrong, I'll have to take the blame. But I am working to enhance the strength of my country, and therefore, I am investing my energy in enhancing the capabilities of my fellow citizens. And the more I empower my fellow citizens, the stronger our ability to face challenges will grow.

Every government in the country had to struggle tackling the poverty crisis. This crisis exists in our country. But I didn't sit back in fear. I searched for its solution, and I thought, who is the government to eradicate poverty? Poverty will only be eradicated when every poor person decides to defeat poverty by himself. If he only dreams then he may not realize it. So, it becomes my responsibility to make him capable of fulfilling that dream, to give him a pucca house, to provide him with toilets, to provide education facilities, to ensure that he gets the benefit from the Ayushman scheme, to provide water supply to his home. If I free him from the things that he has to struggle with every day in his life, if I empower him, then he will also develop this belief that he will be able to defeat poverty. And you see, in my tenure of these ten years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the country. Had I continued with the same way the previous governments, it could not be possible. And that's why I strive to trust in the strength of the country, in the resources of the country. When we look at all these things, we never feel alone. What should I do? How should I do it? I'm just a tea seller, what will I do? I can't think like that. I should have complete confidence, and therefore the first thing is to have immense trust in those for whom you are working. Secondly, you need to have the discernment of right and wrong, what is necessary now, what can be dealt with later. You need the ability to prioritize. It comes from experience, from analyzing everything. I make this attempt. Thirdly, even if I make a mistake, I accept it as a lesson for me. I don't consider it a cause for disappointment. Now, you see how severe the crisis of COVID was. Was it a minor challenge? The whole world was stuck. Now, for me too, it was like what should I do? I could have said, "What can we do now? This is a global disease, it has come from all over the world and everyone should take care of themselves." But I didn't do that. I came on TV every day, talked to the countrymen every day, sometimes asked them to clap, sometimes asked them to beat thalis, sometimes asked them to light a lamp. That act doesn't end Corona. But that act gives birth to a collective strength to fight against Corona, bringing out collective strength.

 Now see, earlier also our players used to go to the field of sports, sometimes someone would win, sometimes no one would win. No one took care of those who went out to play and returned after the tournament was over. However, I said that I will myself beat the drums even if they win three medals. So gradually, the same children developed the ability to win 107 medals. They had the potential. However, the right direction, the right strategy and the right leadership leads to results. Those who have the capability should use it appropriately. And for me, a principle of governance has been that for running a good government, you need perfect information for solving these problems, coming from bottom to top, and perfect guidance going from top to bottom. If these two channels are perfect and their communication, their systems, their protocols are improved correctly, then you can manage things.

Corona is a major example. And that's why I believe that there is no reason to feel disappointed in life, and if once you decide that there is no room for disappointment, nothing comes except positivity. And all the doors of disappointment are closed for me. I haven't left any corner or even a small window open for disappointment to creep in. And you must have seen that I never crib. I don't know what will happen, whether he will come to us or not, whether he will clash with us, it keeps happening. We are here for what, and therefore I always believe in life filled with self-confidence and about our goals. And the second thing is when there is no personal interest then there is never any doubt in making decisions. And that's a very big asset for me. It's not about me, it's not about me at all, it's only and only for the country. And it’s for you, so that your parents who have gone through those difficulties, I don't want you to go through those difficulties. We have to create such a country, friends, so that even your future generations, your children, feel that within such a country, we can thrive completely, show our capability, and this should be our collective determination. This should be our collective resolve, and results will follow automatically. 

And therefore, my friends, positive thinking is a great strength in life. Even in the worst situations, a positive outlook can be maintained. We should strive to see the positive side of things. Thank you.

Presenter: Prime Minister Sir, you have addressed all our questions with utmost simplicity and clarity. We, along with our parents and teachers, will always be grateful to you. We will always remain exam warriors, not worriers. Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister ji.

Prime Minister: Are all the questions done?

Presenter – कुछ परिंदे उड़ रहे हैं आंधियों के सामने, 

कुछ परिंदे उड़ रहे हैं आंधियों के सामने, 

उनमें ताकत है सही और हौसला होगा जरूर, 

इस तरह नित बढ़ते रहे तो देखना तुम एक दिन, 

तय समंदर तक कम फासला होगा जरूर, 

तय समंदर तक कम फासला होगा जरूर।

(Some birds are flying in the wake of the storms,

Some birds are flying in the wake of the storms,

They have strength, and surely there will be courage,

If they continue to move forward like this every day,

One day, the ocean will surely be closer,

The ocean will surely be closer.)

Prime Minister: You must have noticed how these children are anchoring. You too can do all this in your school or college, so definitely learn from them.

Presenter – As the distinguished morning of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’ concludes, we extend our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for his wise counsel and inspirational touch. Today, Prime Minister Sir has exemplified the attributes of teaching as identified in the book Nannul. His suggestions have resonated and ignited the spirit of myriad of students, teachers and parents across our nation. Thank you once again PM Sir.

Prime Minister: Ok, friends. Thank you all very much. And I hope that with this same enthusiasm, you will also instill confidence in your families, fill yourselves with self-confidence, achieve good results, and make a habit of living a life with aspirations. And what you desire, you will achieve those results. My best wishes to all of you. Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/VJ/VK/AK