New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged students to embrace reading and critical thinking over endless scrolling, recalling a personal learning experience involving The Times of India from his school days. Speaking during the second episode of the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 on February 9, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of discipline, reflection, and judicious use of technology for overall growth and exam preparation. He interacted with students from various cities, including Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and Devmogra in Gujarat, as well as those at his official residence. ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]}### Modi Recalls Newspaper Discipline Prime Minister Modi shared a personal anecdote from his student life, highlighting how a teacher instilled a habit of curiosity and discipline. "My teacher used to tell us daily, 'Go to the library. In The Times of India, there is a sentence on the edit page - write that in your notebook and come,' and the next day we used to discuss it," he told the students. T^[1][2]his daily practice, long before the era of smartphones and artificial intelligence, deeply shaped his thinking and underscored the value of reading and reflection in learning. M^[1][9][2]odi used this memory to stress that true learning comes from active engagement with information, not passive consumption. ^[1]### Caution Against Technology Overuse During the interactive session, Prime Minister Modi cautioned students against becoming overly dependent on technology. He noted that for some children, mobile phones have become "masters," making it difficult for them to even eat food without watching a smartphone or television screen. M^{[1][6][7][10]}odi advised students to make a firm resolve not to let technology enslave them. H^[6][7]e acknowledged that every era has faced fears regarding new technologies, but stressed that technology must not control human life. ^[1][10]Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), the Prime Minister advised a balanced approach. He stated that AI should be used for guidance and to add value, rather than becoming a substitute for genuine learning. M^[1][6][10]odi highlighted that the nature of jobs will continue to change with technological advancements, drawing a parallel to the shift from carts to airplanes. H^[1][10]e encouraged students to understand technology, expand their capabilities, and integrate its strengths into their work to ensure progress without fear. ^[10]### Practical Exam Tips and Holistic Development Prime Minister Modi also offered practical advice for students preparing for examinations. He stressed the importance of thorough preparation and adequate rest, noting that a good night's sleep helps students stay cheerful. H^{[1][6][7][10]}e encouraged practicing previous years' question papers and focusing on writing skills, which he identified as a significant challenge in modern exams. ^{[1][11][6][7][10]}Beyond academics, Modi emphasized the need for holistic development. He urged students not to view education as a burden, but rather as an enjoyable and fulfilling journey. H^{[12][4][6][10]}e also cautioned parents against encouraging comparisons among children, explaining that constant comparison creates pressure instead of motivation. T^[1][13][14]he Prime Minister underscored that both life skills and professional skills are equally important, stating they go hand in hand. H^[4]e encouraged students to cultivate inner growth and self-awareness, advising them to trust their own study patterns and only adopt advice if it genuinely helps them. ^[3][4][5]### Pariksha Pe Charcha's Growing Reach Pariksha Pe Charcha, launched in 2018, has grown into a significant student engagement program aimed at creating a stress-free atmosphere for youngsters. T^{[1][15][12][6][10]}he ninth edition in 2026 saw over 4.5 crore registrations, breaking previous records and demonstrating the program's immense popularity and relevance. I^[1][6][10]t serves as a platform for open discussions about learning, pressure, and mental well-being, fostering an environment where each child's unique individuality is celebrated. ^[12][16]Prime Minister Modi conveyed that dreaming is not a crime, but merely humming about dreams is insufficient; action is paramount in life. H^[4]e reiterated that the ultimate goal of education should be all-round development, not just exam results. T^[4]he Prime Minister's interaction aimed to empower students to face exams with confidence and resilience, while fostering a lifelong love for learning and personal growth. ^[16][17]

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