On January 29, 2024, the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi witnessed Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This enlightening session, part of a series initiated by the Ministry of Education, aimed at engaging a diverse audience including students, teachers, and parents in a meaningful dialogue about education, exam stress, and more. The event saw the physical attendance of nearly 4,000 participants, while an impressive 205.62 lakh students, 14.93 lakh teachers, and 5.69 lakh parents registered online, as reported by the MyGov website.
The event’s live broadcast reached a vast audience through various social media platforms, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Press Information Bureau, and the Education Ministry channels. Having evolved into a significant annual event, Pariksha Pe Charcha, especially after its shift to a digital format in its fourth edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has continued to grow in scope and impact. This year’s engagement notably surpassed last year’s already substantial participation of 31.24 lakh students, 5.60 lakh teachers, and 1.95 lakh parents.
The session commenced with Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, welcoming PM Modi and recognizing the event as a pivotal movement in shaping India’s educational journey toward a developed nation by 2047.
PM Modi, known for his motivational speeches, addressed a wide range of topics pertinent to students, teachers, and parents. His speech, peppered with quotes that resonated with the audience, focused on:
Coping with Exam Stress and the Role of Parents
PM Modi’s discourse on managing exam stress highlighted the need for students to focus on their performance rather than competing with peers. He remarked, “Focus on doing your best, don’t compete with your peers. Use your peers’ success as a source of inspiration.” Addressing parental pressure, he cautioned against using children’s achievements as benchmarks for social standing.
Emphasizing Teacher-Student Relationships
A significant highlight was PM Modi’s emphasis on the bond between teachers and students. He advocated for relationships beyond the syllabus, stating, “The relationship between students and teachers should be built from the first day so that the day of the exam is not stressful.”
Promoting Health and Well-being
PM Modi underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during exams. He advised, “It is important to have a healthy body to make sure your mind is healthy too,” and emphasized the significance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the benefits of sunlight exposure. He encouraged students to make it a habit to sit in the sunlight, drawing parallels between recharging one’s body and a mobile phone.
Technology and Its Balanced Use
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, PM Modi urged students and parents to use technology judiciously. He emphasized creating gadget-free zones in homes and reducing screen time, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and effective study habits.
The Importance of Sleep and Effective Study Habits
Discussing the importance of sleep, PM Modi shared his routine, “I sleep within 30 minutes of lying down. When I am awake, I am awake and when I have to sleep, I quickly sleep without distractions.” He also discussed effective study techniques, advising students to set small goals and prepare gradually.
A Showcase of Talent and Innovation
The event also included an exhibition where students displayed projects involving cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. PM Modi expressed his admiration for these innovations, commending the students and teachers for their brilliant contributions.
Empowering Words and Lasting Impact
PM Modi’s advice on exam preparation was particularly noteworthy. He suggested students read the question paper thoroughly and strategize accordingly. His emphasis on writing skills and the need to practice writing by hand struck a chord with the audience.
In his concluding remarks, PM Modi reflected on the success of the event and its growing relevance. He compared the increased participation from the previous year to this year’s event, showcasing Pariksha Pe Charcha’s expanding impact.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to address educational challenges and nurture the holistic development of students. PM Modi’s engaging session provided not just valuable insights but also a source of motivation and inspiration for students, teachers, and parents alike. As the nation continues to navigate the evolving educational landscape, these events are crucial in shaping a brighter future for India’s youth.
