Listen to everyone’s advice, but change your pattern only when you want to: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged students to trust their own learning styles, balance academics with life skills, and treat examinations as celebrations rather than sources of fear, during an interaction at the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026.

Interacting informally with students at his residence, Narendra Modi said education is not meant only for exams but for life, and that exams are tools for self-examination. He advised students to listen to advice from parents and teachers, but adopt changes only through personal experience. Everyone has a different rhythm, he said, and enjoyment in learning comes from following one’s own pattern.

Addressing concerns about academic pressure and teaching pace, the Prime Minister said goals should be within reach but not easily achievable. He urged teachers to remain just one step ahead of students and to announce lessons in advance to spark curiosity. Using a farming analogy, he said teachers must first plough the mind, then connect it, and only then place subjects of study for learning to take root.

On preparation strategies, Narendra Modi cautioned against focusing narrowly on repeated question patterns. He said holistic learning strengthens understanding and confidence, while overemphasis on marks limits growth. Marks, he added, are remembered briefly, but life skills last a lifetime.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of balance—between studies, skills, rest and hobbies—and said books impart knowledge, but only practice builds professional skill. He underlined that skills evolve continuously and must keep pace with changing technology.

Students also shared creative performances, including patriotic songs and music, which the Prime Minister praised as expressions of confidence and national unity. He encouraged students to turn hobbies into practical products, share them openly, and learn from feedback.

Responding to questions on stress and distraction, Narendra Modi said complete involvement in the present moment improves memory and focus. He promoted collaborative learning, advising students to help peers while also learning from those more advanced. “The more involved you are in a moment, the longer you remember it,” he said.

On career choices, including gaming and creative fields, he said success follows commitment and discipline, not comfort zones. Parents, he added, should allow children to blossom according to their capacity, ability and interest.

Speaking on dreams and ambition, the Prime Minister said not having a dream is a crime, but dreams must be backed by action. He encouraged reading biographies to draw inspiration, advising students to dream big, fear less, and stay anchored in their strengths.

Linking education to nation-building, Narendra Modi spoke about the vision of a developed India by 2047 and urged students to take personal responsibility through cleanliness, health, use of indigenous products and disciplined living. Cleanliness, he said, is a collective duty, not the job of others.

On technology, the Prime Minister described it as a great teacher and said artificial intelligence should be used wisely to enhance wisdom and capability, not just for convenience or entertainment.

The session concluded with the Prime Minister thanking students for their openness and creativity. The next episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha will be aired on February 9 at 10 am.