Prime Minister Narendra Modi Revives Pariksha Pe Charcha with Traditional Assamese Welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the ninth edition of his flagship student interaction program, Pariksha Pe Charcha, on Friday. In a heartfelt gesture, he welcomed participating students with the traditional Assamese Gamosa, a cloth deeply symbolic of the region's culture and craftsmanship.
A Symbol of Culture and Women's Empowerment
In a video released from the event, PM Modi was seen personally draping the Gamosa on children. He took a moment to explain its profound significance to the young audience. "I welcomed you with this, which is called a Gamosa from Assam. It is very dear to me, and I greatly admire its craftsmanship," the Prime Minister stated.
He further connected the traditional cloth to broader themes of social empowerment, noting, "This Gamosa stands as an epitome of women empowerment for the northeast, particularly Assam. It is woven at home by women with immense love and dedicated skill." The ninth edition was also screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium within the Parliament premises, extending its reach.
Record-Breaking Growth and Guinness Recognition
Launched in 2018 as a townhall-style dialogue, Pariksha Pe Charcha has evolved into one of India's largest education engagement initiatives. Its growth trajectory is remarkable:
- Registrations surged from approximately 38.8 lakh in 2023 to 2.26 crore in 2024.
- They further climbed to 3.53 crore in 2025, a milestone that secured the program a prestigious Guinness World Record.
- The latest ninth edition has now surpassed all previous records, registering an unprecedented more than 4.5 crore participants.
PM Modi's Advice on Digital Habits and Holistic Learning
During Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, Prime Minister Modi addressed students with crucial advice on navigating the digital age. He urged them to avoid wasting time online merely because data is cheap, emphasizing a focus on building substantive life and educational skills instead.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against excessive leisure gaming, warning that gambling-style gaming could be harmful. However, he acknowledged that gaming cultivated as a skill can enhance alertness and contribute to self-development.
Stressing that education should not become a burden, PM Modi encouraged students to follow learning patterns that suit their individual needs. He highlighted the importance of a balanced approach, integrating studies with adequate rest, skill development, and hobbies to face examinations with confidence and a positive mindset.
The Gamosa in Political Discourse
The traditional Assamese Gamosa has recently emerged as a focal point of political debate. The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting northeastern culture by refusing to wear the Gamosa at a formal Republic Day event.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Gandhi's actions, alleging it showed "enmity towards the people of the northeast." Shah pointed out that while other guests, including European Union leaders, wore the scarf presented by President Droupadi Murmu, Gandhi alone declined. "I want to ask the Congress why Rahul did not wear the scarf. What enmity does he have with the people of the northeast?" Shah questioned at a rally in Dibrugarh, vowing that the BJP would continue to safeguard the region's cultural values.
Pariksha Pe Charcha continues to stand as a major platform for direct dialogue between the country's leadership and its student community, blending cultural pride with educational guidance.
