The much-anticipated 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha took place today at 11 AM IST, bringing together students, parents, and teachers from across the country in a thought-provoking discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This annual event, aimed at alleviating exam-related stress and encouraging a positive approach to education, once again provided invaluable insights into learning, life skills, and mental well-being.
This year's Pariksha Pe Charcha took on a fresh, expanded format, making it even more impactful than previous editions. Instead of being a single-day event, the program has been transformed into a series of eight episodes, each focusing on different themes crucial to student development. Special guests, including Sadhguru, Deepika Padukone, Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, etc. were invited to share their wisdom, making the event even more engaging and insightful. PPC 2025 also witnessed a record-breaking participation of over 5 crore students, parents, and teachers, making it the largest edition to date.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha expanded its scope beyond just exam-related stress and mental health. The addition of diverse themes such as financial literacy, technology, nutrition, mindfulness, creativity and positivity marks a significant shift toward a more well-rounded discussion on student well-being. The inclusion of sports personalities, actors, entrepreneurs, and wellness experts further enriched the dialogue, providing students with diverse perspectives on personal and professional growth.
The Prime Minister, apart from academic success, also highlighted the importance of health, nutrition, and rest in a student’s life. He emphasized that good health is a state of overall well-being, which includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and getting adequate sleep. He made the students understand the significance of ‘what to eat, how to eat, and when to eat,’ underscoring that these fundamental aspects of nutrition play a crucial role in a student's overall growth, energy levels, and academic performance. In a world where students often compromise on sleep and proper meals due to study pressure, PM Modi’s message served as a crucial reminder of how a healthy body fosters a healthy mind.
Responding to a student’s question about leadership, PM Modi stressed the importance of ‘leading by example, understanding others, and fostering teamwork.’ He pointed out that effective leadership comes from the ability to collaborate, inspire, and remain patient. He also emphasized that ‘respect should not be demanded but commanded through self actions and character.’
One of the most striking messages from PM Modi's address was his emphasis on changing the way students perceive exams. He guided students on effectively managing exam pressure by emphasizing the importance of ‘preparation, minimizing distractions, and maintaining focus on their goals.’ He advised them to ‘set achievable targets,’ which not only enhance productivity but also help in reducing stress, making the exam journey more structured and manageable.
PM’s Tip for parents included ‘understanding their child, knowing their dreams, recognizing their strengths, guiding their journey and being their support.’ PM Modi also urged parents not to impose unnecessary pressure or project their unfulfilled aspirations onto their children, but rather to support them in exploring their own passions. Instead of stressing competition, he encouraged them to foster confidence and curiosity, making learning a joyful journey rather than a burden.
PM Modi also emphasized the importance of self-motivation and suggested that students can find inspiration by seeking a mentor—someone who can guide, challenge, and encourage them to reach their full potential. He also encouraged students to continuously challenge themselves to improve and strive for excellence.
The interactive Q&A session allowed students from various parts of India to present their concerns to the Prime Minister, ranging from handling exam pressure, time management, and digital distractions to queries about career choices and personal growth. PM Modi responded to each question with anecdotes, practical suggestions, and a reassuring tone, making the session both informative and inspiring.
PM Modi also discussed holistic learning. He urged students to look beyond textbooks and explore their passions, creativity, and interests, whether in sports, music, art, or entrepreneurship. Emphasizing skill development over academics alone, he reinforced that success isn’t just about grades but about adaptability, innovation, and curiosity.
Towards the end, PM Modi conducted a tree plantation drive at Sunder Nursery under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ aligned with Mission LiFE’s vision of sustainability. Students along with PM, planted saplings, honoring their mothers while committing to environmental conservation. He urged them to develop a lifelong bond with nature, emphasizing that just as mothers nurture children, trees sustain life, reinforcing the ethos of Mission LiFE: making sustainability a way of life.
As the session concluded, PM Modi asked students how they felt about the discussion, to which they responded with great enthusiasm and positivity. Many expressed feeling more confident, motivated, and better equipped to handle exam stress, appreciating the insightful and encouraging interaction. Students left the session truly grateful, energized, and inspired, and ready to face their exams and future challenges with a positive mindset and renewed determination.
For those who missed the live session, the full interaction is available online on PM Narendra Modi’s YouTube, ensuring that students across the country can benefit from the valuable insights shared during this year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha.
