Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 broke tradition with an open-air, informal conversation at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi, replacing the conventional auditorium setup, as students engaged with PM Narendra Modi in a free-wheeling discussion around diet, stress, technology and personal struggles related to examinations.
During the discussion, the PM revealed, “Had I not been the PM, I would have liked to work in the skill development ministry.” He advised the young audience to “break hierarchical barriers” and emphasised, “True leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, not just giving orders.”
Focusing on skill development, Modi said, “Degrees are valuable, but skills make you indispensable.” He shared examples of young entrepreneurs and innovators who turned their passions into careers, emphasising that adaptability and continuous learning define success today.
“You are lucky to be growing up in an era with so much technology. You don’t need to run away from it, but you must decide whether you are using it wisely,” he said.
“Technology is not a storm that will sweep you away - it is a tool. If you use it properly, it will empower you,” he said addressing a common complaint parents have of their children.
Students participated in a candid exchange with Modi, marked by warmth and spontaneity. “Earlier, we met him on stage, but this time, it feels personal,” one student shared. Another added, “No scripts, no formality - just open discussion. It makes us feel heard.”
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from language and culture to health and mindfulness. Akanksha from Kerala praised Hindi, prompting the PM to recite a poem. “Society wrongly associates success with exam scores. But real success comes from persistence. A good cricketer focuses on the ball, not the noise in the stadium. Similarly, students should focus on learning, not stress,” Modi said.
Traditional food customs were also highlighted as students enjoyed til-gud (sesame jaggery) sweets. “Just like we offer guests something at home, he shared with us,” a student observed. PM Modi underscored mindful living, asking, “Do you know how many teeth we have?” to stress proper chewing habits.
On exam stress, he reassured students, “Marks don’t define you.” Modi told students that knowledge and examinations are two different things. One should not view exams as be-all and end-all in life, he said.
