New Delhi: As board examinations draw closer across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached out to students with a message that blended motivation, reassurance and practical advice, telling them that while dreaming big is essential, it is action that gives dreams real meaning.
Interacting with students during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, Modi urged young “exam warriors” to remain confident in their own abilities, follow study methods that suit them best and not allow exam-related pressure to dictate their lives. “Not dreaming is a crime, but action gives dreams meaning,” the Prime Minister said, encouraging students to focus on effort rather than anxiety.
The nationwide interaction, held ahead of examinations conducted by the CBSE, ICSE and various state boards, connected Modi with students in Coimbatore, Raipur, Devmogra, Guwahati and at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi. Students posed questions on academics, mental health, time management and dealing with expectations from family and society.
Responding to a question from a student in Gujarat on different study patterns, Modi underlined that there is no single formula for success. Warning students against blindly imitating others, he said, “Even after I became Prime Minister, people still keep suggesting to me what to do and how to do it.” Drawing a light-hearted analogy, he added, “At lunch or dinner at your home, everybody has a different pattern. Some people start with vegetables, some with rotis, some mix all of it. But you must be following your pattern, not copying them, right?”
He advised students to listen to suggestions but apply them only if they truly fit their needs. “First thing, you should believe in your study pattern. Listen carefully to suggestions and check if it is required or not,” he said, adding that even Pariksha Pe Charcha itself has evolved over time by expanding its reach to different states.
On the role of teachers, Modi stressed the importance of not rushing students in the name of speed. Answering a question from a student named Ayush, he said, “Maintaining speed is something teachers should deal with. They should not go ahead of students. The way farmers treat their fields, similarly, a student’s brain should be nurtured.”
The interaction also featured lighter moments. When Modi asked students how they were coping with the cold weather, one replied that in the excitement of meeting him, they had “forgotten everything,” prompting laughter. In another exchange, a student mentioned that her birthday falls on the same day as the Prime Minister’s, drawing a warm and animated response from Modi.
At the end of the session, the Prime Minister felicitated students with traditional Assamese handwoven scarves, highlighting their cultural significance. “This represents women’s empowerment, as women in Assam design and make it at their homes. It gives a very special kind of pride,” he said.
For many students, the interaction was deeply personal. Tenzin Choiky, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, described the experience as unforgettable. “I live in a remote border town area and rarely get such opportunities. This was the first such opportunity I received. It was so special, and I was so excited,” she said.
Held annually ahead of board exams, Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a platform where students, parents and teachers engage directly with the Prime Minister on issues of learning, stress and aspirations, offering encouragement at a time when academic pressure tends to peak.
