It is not every day that those bearing high offices take to virtual platforms to address the future of our nation, the pall-bearers of a better tomorrow, The Students.
On the eve of 7th
April, Our Honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi virtually engaged in a
meaningful conversation whilst answering pre-recorded as well as live questions
of students, teachers, guardians and parents.
The Prime Minister
took to the virtual platform whilst strolling about in a beautiful open garden
of what could have been his residence or an office, whilst attending to the
questions and answering them in the wittiest yet wisest way possible.
The PM being a
perfectly articulative orator that he is, goes onto capture our minds by
vindicating his knowledge with instances from his own life as well as from his
experience of holding an office of grave importance and travelling the world.
Students studying in
various schools and colleges across India along with Students of Indian origin
studying in Malaysia and Kuwait took to the NAMO App to raise concerns and
other educational apprehensions.
Key take-aways
from “Pariksha Pe Charcha" :
Real-Life
Examples of the PM
A student asked the
PM to address a solution to deal with the least-favorite subjects.
The PM spoke about
placing challenging subjects before everything else whilst leaving the
favorite subject-matter for the end as they can be tackled with least or
little effort.
Modi substantiated
these words of wisdom by citing an example from his own busy schedule. As a PM,
on a daily basis he’s faced with challenging situations some of which may command
more attention than the others and be more thought-provoking. To deal with any
such stimulating and challenging task, he makes it a point to confront the
task right at the start of the day.
The earlier you
tackle a subject-matter that frightens you, the sooner you’ll be able to
completely overcome the fear.
A "Non-Result" Oriented Approach
Modi believes that
Gen-Z parents identify the child’s strengths and weakness only from their
report cards. They consider marks the sole parameter of judging a child.
He lays emphasis on a
curriculum outside of books, a curriculum which enables students to explore
other areas of interest.
He implores parents
to actively part-take in the everyday lives of their kids, encouraging them at
every step, whilst not losing sight of where their children’s real interest
lies.
A new-found focus on
extracurriculars and personality building is of utmost importance to survive in
the era of cut-throat competition.
Light Hearted
Humor and Touching Upon Non-Academic Issues
PM Modi touched upon
the free-time that children are faced with amidst the pandemic.
Unlike a strict
tutor, who would ask students to get back to their lessons, PM emphasized on
the vitality of such free time. It’s during such a free time that children explore
their individualities. A means of escaping from their education-burdened lives,
fruitfully using free time could transform the child for the better.
Nostalgia takes over
Modi Ji, as he talks about his childhood affinity to swings and how he would
spend his free time swinging in the garden.
He advises children
to spend their free time being a good observer. He asks them to actively pay
attention to the happenings in their surroundings, be it their mother cooking a
meal, their siblings engaged in a chore, or their father reading the daily
news.
Inculcating Compassion
Addressing a few
parents doubts on how to inculcate good values in their kids, who draw
influence from movies, celebrities, influencers, PM Modi highlights the
importance yet lack of Compassion in our day-to-day lives.
By citing an example
of how house-helpers instead of being made part of a celebration or festivity,
are shunned away or asked to remain behind the scene and help serve or clean,
Modi Ji elaborates on such things leave an everlasting impact on the child’s upbringing.
Instead, if the
children had witnessed their parents ensuring that all the house-help get
dressed and be part of the function, they sow seeds of compassion and humanity
in the hearts of their young kids.
There is no bigger
value than compassion. It lays the foundation of an ever-growing persona,
adding to the morality and integrity of a child.
No Scope for
Negative Motivation
Fear or greed driven
motivations were condemned by Modi Ji in his address to a parent skeptical
about keeping her child constantly motivated.
He elaborated on how
smaller mile stones must be set by children themselves which would land them in
a self-motivated loop, after which they would require no external validation.
Discussion on
Nutrition and Health
In wake of the
pandemic, concerned parents took to the platform to address the issue of junk
food replacing healthier options and gaining ground with children across the
world.
Modi Ji encouraged
them to involve children in the cooking process. Making kids vigilant about
their eating habits could go a long way in helping them eat cleaner food.
He also suggested a trick
out of an old book, the one where you try to misrepresent traditional and
healthier food and make it look as appealing as possible. Making the temptation
irresistible is the key to achieving the requisite nutrients in their diets.
Letting Go of
the Age-Old Ideologies
Parents’ and teachers’
concern of children emulating movies, celebrities and other influencers is
valid, but it impossible to separate what isn’t in our control. Movies are
going to be screened every weekend, celebrities are going to start newer trends
and influencers are going to unabatedly try to influence their followers.
What is in our
control is to instill the sense of righteousness and the ability to help
children clearly see what is correct or incorrect for them, thus helping them
make a conscious decision for themselves.
We cannot grip
children in prevalent age-old ideologies and norms. Letting go of the superfluous
beliefs and training kids to make conscious choice is the new trend that every
parent, guardian and teacher must whole-heartedly embrace.
PM Modi has already been opening arms to newer thoughts and aspirations, as can be seen through his open-minded interactions with people from different walks of life.
In conclusion, I would like to whole-heartedly appreciate this fresh concept, especially given the current scenario of the pandemic during which students and parents are skeptical about upcoming exams, mode of conduction and various other aspects surrounding the overall well-being and development of students.
PM Narendra Modi's words of wisdom are bound to strike a chord with listeners across the country and hopefully alleviate their apprehensions.
“PM took to the virtual platform,
With an insight on wit and reform,
Commanded an interaction with the youth,
Based on his life experiences and the truth.”
“Of wisdom and age,
PM Modi took to the stage,
Uncovering his own life instances page-by-page,
All he wants is for the apprehensions to assuage.”
Written By - Tushna Choksey
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