Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with school students in the eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha his annual initiative aimed at alleviating exam stress and providing valuable guidance to students, teachers, and parents. The event, which has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2018, witnessed over three crore registrations this year. Moving away from the traditional town hall format, PM Modi engaged with 36 students at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, offering insights on stress management and the importance of a balanced approach to education.
During the interaction, PM Modi emphasized that exams should not be seen as an overwhelming challenge but as a natural part of the learning journey. He advised students to avoid taking excessive pressure and instead focus on their studies with a positive mindset. Encouraging them to pursue their interests freely, he highlighted the importance of self-exploration and personal growth. “One should not live with the idea that exams are everything,” he remarked, stressing that education should not turn students into robots but nurture their overall development.
Sharing anecdotes from his own school days, PM Modi recalled how his teachers made great efforts to improve his handwriting, though he humorously admitted that their attempts were more successful for them than for him. His words resonated with the students, creating an engaging and light-hearted atmosphere. A student who participated in the interaction described the experience as surreal, stating, “It felt like a dream. He made us understand how we should not take stress in exams.”
The initiative, which has now become a nationwide movement, has been praised for its impact in transforming exam-related anxiety into a constructive conversation. The Ministry of Education highlighted that Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) that resonates deeply with students, teachers, and parents across the country. To further amplify the message, a series of engaging activities were organized from January 12, observed as National Youth Day, to January 23, marking Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti. These activities were conducted in schools across states and Union Territories, with participation from 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools.
Designed to reduce stress and enhance performance, these initiatives included indigenous games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, short-distance marathons, meme competitions, Nukkad Natak performances, and poster-making contests. Students were also encouraged to share their experiences through testimonials, participate in discussions, and engage in yoga and meditation sessions to promote mindfulness and relaxation. The overwhelming response reflects the success of Pariksha Pe Charcha in fostering a healthier approach to education and exams.
