Raipur, February 9: In the second episode of the ninth edition of the “Pariksha Pe Charcha” program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in an open dialogue with students in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. During the interaction, PM Modi emphasized that to achieve success or become a leader in life, one must first be fearless. Only then can one reach significant milestones.
PM Modi explained that the essence of “Pariksha Pe Charcha” is to sit together, understand each other, and learn from one another. He noted that this initiative began a few weeks ago in Coimbatore and has now reached Raipur. Alongside the discussions, he also had the opportunity to taste local delicacies.
At the start of the program, PM Modi greeted everyone with “Jai Johar,” to which the children responded enthusiastically. Local children offered him Khurmi, a traditional sweet, which he enjoyed and distributed to everyone himself.
During the dialogue, students confidently posed their questions. One student asked PM Modi about places to visit in India after exams. In response, PM Modi suggested starting local explorations rather than traveling far. He advised students to create a list of nearby places in their tehsil, district, and state that they have yet to explore. He encouraged students to travel simply, such as taking a train, bringing food from home, and experiencing life among ordinary people. He stated that true tourism offers valuable life lessons and that India’s diversity makes it a country worth exploring for a lifetime.
Another student raised concerns about exam stress, mentioning that sometimes questions seem unanswerable, leading to anxiety. PM Modi reassured the children that self-confidence before exams is crucial. He reminded them that everything they have learned is valuable and resides within them. Instead of panicking during exams, he advised them to approach the question paper calmly. He compared studying to sports, stating that just as athletes grow stronger through practice and competition, students also strengthen through consistency and effort. He suggested forming study partnerships with classmates who struggle with certain subjects, as teaching others can reinforce one’s understanding.
When asked about balancing sports and studies, PM Modi asserted that both are essential for life. He warned against the mindset that excelling in sports negates the need for academics or vice versa. He emphasized the importance of being strong in both areas to avoid any misconceptions about one’s capabilities. Sports are vital as they teach discipline and balance.
Regarding environmental conservation, PM Modi stated that protecting nature should be second nature to everyone. He provided simple examples, such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth or using leftover water for plants. He shared an example of a school where a teacher encouraged students to bring a bottle of waste water daily to nourish plants, resulting in a greener campus. PM Modi highlighted that small efforts can lead to significant change.
In response to a question about leadership, PM Modi explained that to become a leader, one must first be fearless. He encouraged developing the mindset of “whether anyone else does it or not, I will.” When individuals start taking initiative, leadership naturally develops. He clarified that leadership is not just about running for elections or giving speeches, but about understanding and guiding people.
At the conclusion of the program, PM Modi remarked that “Pariksha Pe Charcha” is not limited to preparing for board exams; it serves as a platform for open discussions on all aspects of life. The questions from students reflect their awareness and sensitivity towards life.
After the interaction with PM Modi, students expressed their joy. They described meeting him and learning through such conversations as a dream come true.