'Pariksha Pe Charcha': PM Modi uses cricket analogy to share mantra on 'focus' with students

Modi also spoke strongly against the use of unfair practices in exams

In the sixth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to 38 lakh participants, he asked students not to crumble to the pressure of performing and to take criticisms in their stride, and never resort to cheating in exams.

The event saw the participation of 31.24 lakh students, out of which 16 lakh students were registered for the Class 10 and 12 board examination in 2023, 5.60 lakh teachers, 1.95 lakh parents from all over 155 countries.

The PM also spoke about reducing the time spent on gadgets, the need to learn a new language, and remaining focussed. He asked students to not crumble under parental pressure.

“If you are hardworking and honest, then you should not care about the criticisms because they become your strength,” Modi said. “Expectation from your parents is natural, but if your family is asking you to perform for social status, then it is not healthy, and you should not bow down or be suppressed under such pressures.”

He told them that cheating in exams is a bad habit. “Some students are very creative in how they can use unfair means in the examination; ideally, this creativity should be applied while studying. These days, one must appear for examinations at every step; at how many places will you cheat? We need to inculcate a habit of not resorting to cheating,” Modi told the students.

As one of the children participating in the event asked him about how to study effectively, Modi said that students should set aside the first 30 minutes of their study time to a subject that interests them least and the last 30 minutes to the subject they like the most. “Learn from your mother how she manages things while doing household work. That will teach you how to manage your time for later in life,” Modi said.

As a politician, Modi said, he has faced criticism along the way, which he said, is a prerequisite for a flourishing democracy. “People will point out your shortcomings and you must use that as an opportunity to improve yourself. You must invest your time to understanding where the deficiency is,” he said. Modi also asked the parents to not compare their children with other children.