Prime Minister Narendra Modi Engages Nationwide with Students in Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conducted a comprehensive interactive session with students across India as part of the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026. The event, held ahead of the crucial board examination season, provided guidance on examinations, personal development, skill acquisition, technology utilization, and contributions to nation-building.
Nationwide Student Interaction and Key Themes
During the extensive dialogue, PM Modi engaged with selected "exam warriors" from multiple regions including Devmogra in Gujarat, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Guwahati in Assam, alongside participants at the prime minister's official residence in New Delhi. The 2026 edition specifically focused on helping students maintain composure during examinations while promoting deeper learning aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
The prime minister addressed numerous critical topics including examination stress management, effective time allocation, leadership qualities, wellness practices, and pursuing aspirations. Students later presented self-composed musical performances, adding a creative dimension to the gathering.
Core Messages on Education and Personal Development
Dreams and Action: PM Modi emphasized that "not dreaming is a crime" but cautioned that "merely humming about dreams never works." He stressed that action must be considered paramount in life for dreams to materialize.
Balanced Approach: Highlighting the necessity for equilibrium, the prime minister advised students to manage studies, rest, skills, and hobbies simultaneously. "There should be a balance in everything in life. If you lean too much to one side, you will surely fall," he stated.
Dual Skill Development: PM Modi explained that both life skills and professional competencies hold equal importance. "If someone asks me which one to focus on, I would say focus on both. They go hand in hand," he remarked, adding that skills originate from knowledge and require dedicated learning and observation.
Educational Philosophy and Examination Perspective
The prime minister warned against treating education as a burden and cautioned about fragmented learning approaches. "Education should not feel like a burden. It requires our total involvement. Education in bits and pieces doesn't guarantee success," he asserted.
PM Modi further clarified that examinations should never become the ultimate objective. "Life is not just about exams. Education is just a medium for our development. Instead of focusing only on marks, everyone should focus on improvement in life, which goes beyond classrooms and exams," he elaborated.
Regarding educators, the prime minister noted that exceptional teachers concentrate on holistic development rather than purely examination-oriented instruction. "A good teacher teaches everything and focuses on overall growth," he observed.
Technology, Gaming, and Digital Responsibility
On digital habits, PM Modi advised students against squandering time online despite affordable internet access in India. He referenced legislative measures against betting while acknowledging gaming's potential benefits when utilized judiciously.
"Gaming is a skill. It involves speed and helps personality development, but try to find your expertise by choosing better quality gaming," he recommended, encouraging selective and purposeful engagement with digital platforms.
Personalized Learning and Mental Well-being
PM Modi encouraged students to trust their individual study patterns while remaining receptive to constructive guidance. "Listen to everyone's advice, but change your pattern only when you want to," he advised, sharing that even as prime minister he receives diverse suggestions but maintains his fundamental approach.
He elaborated on mental wellness, stating, "Education should not be a burden and everyone should be totally involved as half-hearted education does not make life successful." The prime minister further recommended focusing on present circumstances rather than dwelling on the past.
National Vision and Student Responsibilities
Looking toward India's future, PM Modi reminded students of their pivotal role in constructing a developed nation by 2047. "You all will be between 35-40 years old in 2047. Who am I working hard for to build a Viksit Bharat? Should you also not work towards it?" he questioned, urging support for domestic manufacturing through conscious consumption of Indian products.
The prime minister called upon students to evolve into responsible citizens by emphasizing cleanliness, awareness, and prudent technology application. "Technology is a boon, and we need to embrace it… Use AI wisely to boost your wisdom and personality," he counseled.
Cultural Recognition and Program Legacy
During the interaction, PM Modi welcomed students with the traditional Assamese 'Gamosa,' describing it as "an epitome of women's empowerment for the Northeast, especially Assam, as the women weave it at home with love and dedication."
Launched initially in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has expanded into one of India's most substantial educational engagement initiatives, with current registrations exceeding 4.5 crore participants nationwide.
