New Delhi: The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging with 35 students from across India, addressing their concerns about exams, stress, and personal growth. The session, held at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi, was an interactive exchange where Modi shared practical advice, drawing from relatable examples to help students approach their studies with confidence.
Handling exam pressure with a cricketer’s mindset
One of the key moments of the interaction was Modi’s cricket analogy to explain how students can deal with exam pressure. He compared students to batsmen on the field, urging them to focus on their goals rather than external distractions. "During a cricket match, cricketers often hear loud cheers for sixes and fours, but a good batsman remains focused on the ball. Similarly, students must not let family pressure over grades affect their studies. Instead, they should concentrate on their work and keep challenging themselves," Modi said.
Smart use of technology
Modi also spoke about the role of technology in students' lives. While acknowledging its benefits, he warned against excessive social media use, particularly the habit of watching reels. "Don't think of technology as a cyclone that will destroy you, rather think of it as a tool that benefits you," he advised, encouraging students to use digital resources to enhance their learning rather than for distraction.
Time management through reverse planning
For better time management, Modi suggested that students should start their day with difficult subjects instead of beginning with easier ones. "Students often start preparations with the subjects they find easy. By the time they get to the harder ones, substantial time is lost. To optimise time, they should reverse this approach—begin with challenging subjects and then move to the easier ones," he recommended.
Dealing with anxiety and self-doubt
Addressing concerns about stress and mental health, Modi urged students to share their feelings with their parents and teachers rather than keeping their worries to themselves. "It is only through sharing that an individual feels lighter," he said, emphasising the importance of open conversations at home and school. On self-motivation, he reminded students that academic success is not the only measure of achievement. "Make your failures your teacher and look at success holistically, not just as academic success. Follow what you are passionate about," he advised.
Encouraging leadership and personal growth
A student from Bihar asked Modi about developing leadership skills. He responded by highlighting the importance of teamwork, patience, and leading by example. "Being able to understand, help, and support others are some of the important skills for effective leadership. Teamwork and patience are key," he said. He also urged students to step out of their comfort zones and continuously push their limits. "Challenge yourself after achieving success in one area," he encouraged.
Climate change and connecting with nature
During the session, Modi praised a student who asked about climate change, stressing the need for environmental consciousness. He spoke about his "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative, which encourages people to plant trees in their mother’s name to strengthen their bond with nature. He also advised students to make sun exposure a daily habit, highlighting the health benefits of Surya Snan (sunbathing).
More than just exams: Holistic development
Modi encouraged students to pursue activities that make them happy, including dancing and writing, as both improve creativity and expression. "If an activity makes a student happy and relaxed, then it is important to do it," he said, adding that children should not be confined to books alone. To improve focus and mental clarity, he suggested meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises), recommending students to observe nature, including birds and fountains, to develop mindfulness.
Large-scale participation and expert insights
This year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha has received over 5 crore registrations from students, teachers, and parents across India and abroad. The 2025 edition features eight episodes covering topics like sports and discipline, mental health, nutrition, technology, finance, creativity, mindfulness, and success stories.
Alongside Modi, the initiative includes sessions with prominent figures such as Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara, badminton player Suhas Yathiraj, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, actor Vikrant Massey, YouTuber Technical Guruji, and others. Spiritual leader Sadhguru will also share mindfulness techniques to help students improve focus and mental clarity.
The event was broadcast across multiple platforms, including Doordarshan, PMO’s YouTube channel, and social media pages of the Education Ministry and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Before concluding the session, Modi distributed til ke laddu among the participants, adding a traditional touch to the interaction.
BI Bureau
