Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with students during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), urging them to stay confident, follow their own learning patterns and focus on all-round development rather than marks alone.
Speaking from his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM) in New Delhi, the Prime Minister reminded students that advice will always come from parents, teachers and peers, but the key lies in filtering those suggestions without losing one’s core approach. Drawing from his own experience, he said even today people continue to advise him, but he has never abandoned his “core pattern”.
Exams are not the final goal
PM Modi stressed, “No matter what your parents, or teachers, or peers say, have faith in and follow your pattern, keeping in mind all the suggestions that come your way.”
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“I don’t look back at what has passed. I always look at what is to come,” he said, encouraging students to remain forward-looking and resilient.
“There are times when teachers only teach what is important and can help you score good marks, but a good teacher focuses on all-around development and teaches everything.”
Push for Make in India and national unity
During the interaction, the Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of initiatives such as Make in India and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, linking them to innovation, skills and a sense of national responsibility among the youth.
On AI, gaming and responsible internet use
Addressing questions on artificial intelligence, PM Modi said students should use AI as a tool but not depend on it blindly. Responding to a student aspiring to become a game developer, he acknowledged that gaming involves skill, alertness and creativity, but warned against using it merely as a pastime or for monetary betting.
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He cautioned, “You are interested in gaming but don't indulge in it for passing time just because data is cheap in India. Don't do it for fun. Those who indulge in gaming for money will only be ruined. We do not have to encourage gambling in the country. I have made a law against online gambling.”
Nationwide participation
First held in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 was screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium in Parliament and organised across multiple cities, including Guwahati, Raipur, Coimbatore and Dev Mogra. According to the Ministry of Education, around 4.5 crore students, teachers and parents registered for this year’s edition, highlighting the programme’s growing reach and relevance.
