Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024
HIGHLIGHTS
On the 29th of January 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged in a meaningful dialogue with students, teachers and parents at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the 7th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC). PPC stands as a testament to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's initiative, aimed at uniting students, parents, teachers and society at large. Its overarching goal is to cultivate an environment that embraces and encourages the unique individuality of each child, allowing them the freedom to fully express themselves. He addressed various aspects of a student's journey including managing pressure and stress, addressing peer pressure and competition, the role of teachers, dealing with exam stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, career clarity, building trust and handling technology intrusion.
Managing Pressure and Stress
Dania Shabu of a private CBSE School in Oman and Md. Arsh from Govt. Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Burari, Delhi, highlighted the problem of external pressures, particularly the impact of cultural and societal expectations, escalating the stress experienced by students. Acknowledging the consistent recurrence of these concerns throughout the seven editions of PPC, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of cultivating resilience and the skill to navigate pressure as fundamental aspects of life. To illustrate, he drew a parallel, likening the mental preparation required when transitioning from one extreme climate condition to another. In this analogy, the mind anticipates and readies itself for the upcoming challenges. The PM advised students to cultivate a strategy wherein you first assess the stress level, followed by a gradual increment, ensuring that the student's abilities are not compromised. This measured progression, he suggested, would enable students to adapt and build their capacity to manage pressure effectively over time. He urged students, families and teachers to collaboratively address the issue of external stress by evolving and adapting a flexible approach rather than adhering to a rigid systematic theory.
Comparison Leads to Detrimental Rivalry
Addressing concerns about peer pressure and competition Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi observed that unhealthy competition often originates from family dynamics, where comparisons between siblings can lead to detrimental rivalries. To illustrate the concept of healthy competition, he shared an example of a video where children prioritised helping each other while engaging in a positive competitive spirit. The PM emphasised that individual achievements should not limit the potential for success and encouraged students to view competition as a personal challenge rather than a restrictive endeavour. Furthermore, he cautioned against forming friendships solely based on avoiding inspiring company, urging students to celebrate the success of their friends. The Prime Minister reminded everyone that friendship is not a transactional emotion and advised parents not to use their children's achievements as a measure of their own success.
Teacher-Student Bonding
Highlighting the crucial role of teachers in motivating students, the Prime Minister urged teachers to be more accessible to students, emphasising the need to go beyond subject-based interactions. Drawing a parallel with doctors who establish personal connections with their patients, he suggested that such a bond is half the remedy. Furthermore, he recommended teachers to foster personal connections with students' families and acknowledge students' achievements in their presence. He highlighted the significant responsibility teachers bear in shaping students' lives, stating that they are not merely in a job role but are entrusted with the task of moulding the future of their students.
Combating Exam Stress
The Prime Minister urged parents not to unnecessarily elevate the significance of exam days through new clothes, rituals, or stationery. Similarly, he advised students against cramming until the last moment, encouraging them to approach exams with a relaxed mindset and minimise external distractions that can lead to unwarranted tension. Additionally, he emphasised the significance of the writing habit in the context of exams, noting that despite the growing influence of computers and mobile phones, most exams are still written. He recommended allocating 50 percent of study time to writing, as it enhances understanding. The Prime Minister reassured students not to be anxious about the pace of their peers, emphasising that understanding the material is more crucial than speed.
The Health Factor
Emphasising the importance of not neglecting health while focusing on exams, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi used the analogy of recharging mobile phones to stress the importance of taking care of physical health. He underscored the significance of a balanced lifestyle, cautioning against excesses. PM Modi highlighted the crucial connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind, emphasising the need for routines, including spending time in sunlight and ensuring regular, complete sleep. He expressed concern about habits like excessive screen time, which can interfere with essential sleep, as recognised by modern health science. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of a balanced diet and underscored the significance of regular exercise and physical activities for overall fitness.
Clarity Regarding Career
The Prime Minister offered valuable insights on gaining clarity about career paths, steering clear of confusion and indecision. He highlighted the key aspects of the National Education Policy, applauding its provision for adopting different courses rather than sticking to a single stream. Emphasising the need to be decisive and eliminate confusion, the Prime Minister drew a parallel with ordering food in a restaurant, where a clear decision is necessary. He suggested evaluating the pros and cons of decisions, stressing the importance of dedication and confidence in pursuing one's chosen path.
Trust Deficit Kills the Spirit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi observed that trust deficit within families foster negative outcomes. He noted that it doesn't happen suddenly but evolves over time, necessitating a thorough self-analysis of the conduct of teachers, parents and students. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of honest communi-cation as a means to reduce the likelihood of a trust deficit, urging students to be sincere and honest in their dealings. Similarly, he advised parents to express confidence in their children rather than harboring suspicion. The Prime Minister highlighted the potential negative impact of a trust deficit, including the risk of pushing children into depression. He encouraged teachers to maintain open channels of communication with students and to avoid favoritism.
Intrusion of Technology
Responding to queries about leveraging the benefits of mobile technology for learning, the Prime Minister emphasised that excess of anything is detrimental. He stressed the need for making judicious decisions in utilising technology and mobile phones effectively. He suggested formulating a set of rules and regulations, including prohibiting the use of electronic gadgets during dinner and establishing gadget-free zones in the house. In today's world, the Prime Minister asserted, technology cannot be avoided but should be embraced as a tool that requires effective usage. Meanwhile, he urged parents to acknowledge that technology has become a valuable educational resource. Additionally, he touched upon the importance of monitoring screen time using dedicated mobile applications and tools and advocated for educating students about the resourcefulness of mobile phones in the classroom.
Personal Strategy
The Prime Minister explained that his approach involves confronting challenges directly and drawing lessons from each situation. He highlighted the importance of prioritisation, emphasising the value of learning from mistakes and cultivating a positive mindset. Additionally, he advised that a determined mindset that is free from selfish motives go a long way in achieving success. He concluded by expressing confidence in creating a future where generations face fewer challenges, encouraging positive thinking for strength even in adverse situations.
(Source: PIB)