NEW DELHI: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 broke tradition with a more informal, open-air setup at Sunder Nursery, instead of the usual auditorium, allowing students to engage in a relaxed conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about topics such as diet, stress, technology, and personal challenges related to exams.
Modi shared a personal insight, saying, “Had I not been the PM, I would have loved to work in the skill development ministry.” He urged the young crowd to “break hierarchical barriers” and emphasized, “True leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, not just giving orders.”
On skill development, the Prime Minister stated, “Degrees are valuable, but skills make you indispensable.” He highlighted examples of young entrepreneurs who turned their passions into successful careers, stressing that adaptability and lifelong learning are key to success. “You are fortunate to grow up in a time of rapid technological advancement, but you must decide how to use it,” he said. “Are you spending hours watching reels, or are you using technology to learn something? Technology is not a storm that will sweep you away; it’s a tool. Use it wisely, and it will empower you.”
The interaction with students was candid and filled with warmth. One student commented, “Earlier, we met him on stage, but this time, it feels personal.” Another added, “No scripts, no formality—just an open conversation. It makes us feel heard.”
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from culture and language to health and mindfulness. When Akanksha from Kerala praised Hindi, PM Modi recited a poem. “Success is often wrongly tied to exam scores. Real success comes from persistence. A cricketer focuses on the ball, not the noise in the stadium. Similarly, students should focus on learning, not stress,” he said.
Traditional food customs were also shared, with students enjoying til-gud (sesame-jaggery) sweets. One student remarked, “Just like we offer guests something at home, he shared it with us.” PM Modi encouraged mindful living, quizzing students, “Do you know how many teeth we have?” to highlight the importance of proper chewing habits.
Addressing exam stress, he reassured students, “Marks do not define you.” He explained that knowledge and exams are different, and exams should not be seen as the ultimate measure of one’s worth. “Stress is like a pressure cooker,” he said, urging students to communicate openly, noting that “depression often arises from lack of communication.” He encouraged them to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them.
To emphasize the importance of balance, he likened hobbies to spending time with a pet dog. “If exams are near, do you stop spending time with your dog? No, because it brings you joy. Similarly, hobbies refresh your mind and help you stay balanced.”
PM Modi also advised parents not to compare their children to others for the sake of boasting. Instead, they should support their children’s unique qualities. When asked how he would advise talented students who work hard but don’t achieve success, he said, “Rather than focusing on what they lack, appreciate what they excel at. Encourage them, and they will feel valued. Besides studying for exams, students should also express themselves through writing, like poetry or essays.”
He emphasized the importance of curiosity, urging students to “never stop asking questions” and reminded them that learning doesn’t end with exams. “It’s a lifelong pursuit,” he said, drawing on India’s tradition of questioning and exploration. “Great minds are those who push boundaries by asking the right questions.”
As the event wrapped up, PM Modi jokingly said, “Don’t act bossy at home just because you now have a direct connection with the Prime Minister!”
