Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi discusses depression, importance of exams

'Pariksha Pe Charcha': Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with over 2,000 students, teachers and parents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked parents not to expect their children to fulfil their unfulfilled dreams as he interacted with a number of students, teachers and parents in the second edition of "pariksha pe charcha". Modi spoke to them about studies and examination-related issues at the event held in Talkatora stadium in New Delhi. Students from all over India as well as Indian students residing abroad, including in Russia, Nigeria, Iran, Nepal, Doha, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, participated in the event.

"I would request parents, do not expect your children to fulfil your unfulfilled dreams. Every child has his or her own potential and strengths... It is important to understand these positives of every child," he said.

He also described the townhall as a "mini-India, a place where we have in our midst the future of India".

The prime minister said technology should lead to expansion of the mind and be seen as a means to innovate, but, he also asked students not to forget the playing field.

PM Modi also spoke on depression and suggested ways to combat the menace. Modi said, "a person does not always get depressed all of a sudden. There are signs that show a person is heading into depression."

"Ignoring these signs is not a good idea. On the contrary, we must talk about this", he said.

Modi had held his first such interaction with the students last year in February. Earlier that month, he had released his book "Exam Warriors" -- a guide to help students battle the exam anxiety.

Here's what PM Modi said in "Pariksha Pe Charcha"

12:57 PM

12:56 PM

Modi: The menace of depression is very worrying. We should talk openly, the more we talk about depression and mental health, it is better. We must always express, never suppress." "A person does not always get depressed all of a sudden. There are signs that tell a person is slipping into depression, which one should not ignore," he adds.

12:55 PM

Please reach out to your child during exams, results and be a positive force on them: PM
 

I would again encourage parents to be a factor of motivation and encouragement for your child. Only when you take it in spirit and encourage your child, does a 60% holder move towards 70 or 80%. If you only criticize and scold your child for not getting 90%, you will demotivate your child to start believing that they are incapable. This will take their grades further down towards 40% (from 60).

12:55 PM

"One thing that is most important for all of us is time management. Time is our own, and we decide what to do with our time and how to get things done. That is totally in your control. We all have the same 24 hours. But those who manage their time well, set themselves apart. You have to prioritize from time to time. Those who master the art of time management, they seem to go through life effortlessly. Time management is most important. If we have 10 things to do, sometimes we need to know which are the 6 or 7 that need priority," PM Narendra Modi

12:47 PM

Counselling is not bad thing. Talking about ones problems is very good: PM Modi

12:46 PM

Parents must help children fight depression, says Modi

A person does not always get depressed all of a sudden. There are signs that show a person is heading into depression. Ignoring these signs is not a good idea. On the contrary, we must talk about this: Modi

12:41 PM

Our learning cannot be reduced to exams only. Our education must equip us to face various challenges of life as well: PM Modi

12:36 PM

Sara Sadaf from Kuwait makes a few points on the need to further improve education systems and ensure that exams are not only reduced to rote learning but also showcase what students have learnt.

12:33 PM

Teachers play an important role in student's life: Modi

12:30 PM

Jairpeet Singh is a student based in Tehran, Iran. He is asking PM on the need on encouraging our children constantly and how constant encouragement makes children very happy.

12:27 PM

Children must compete with their own score and not with others: Modi

12:25 PM

Parents must not compare their children with others: Modi

12:24 PM

People say Modi has been very aspirations, I want to have a 1.25 hundred crore aspirations of the 100 crore countrymen. We should highlight those aspirations that the country runs. The burden of expectations should not dabana. We must prove ourselves to meet expectations: PM

12:23 PM

Clarity of thought and conviction are essential. Yes, science and maths are essential but there are other subjects too worth exploring. There are opportunities in so many areas now, says Modi.

12:22 PM

Pay attention to your qualities: Modi

 

When something challenges you, you must pay attention to what qualities of your came forth during that challenge. Those are the ones you need to work on. When it comes to exams, our focus should never be on marks. It should be on acquiring knowledge and understanding the subject. You will score marks if that is taken care of.