New Delhi, Jan 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the students should embrace the advancing technology with open arms but at the same time they should also ensure to not fall prey to its downside and therefore, they need to draw a line between its regular and excess use.
"Nowadays our lives are technology-driven. It is extremely helpful in our day-to-day lives but we still need to draw a line between two extremes to make sure that technology does not use us," the Prime Minister said while addressing the third edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (Discussion on exams) held here at Talkatora Indoor Stadium.
PM Modi urged students to spend at least one 'technology-free hour' every day. "Choose one room where technology will have no entry,' he said.
As many as 2,000 students, including 50 specially-abled children, and teachers from all over India attended the student-centric annual programme in the national capital, wherein the Prime Minister answered over 15 questions raised by students from across the nation.
"The only reason I have taken this annual discussion as my responsibility is that I wish to share the burden of your parents. After all, even I am also a member of your family. I get satisfaction in doing so," the PM told students.
Answering questions on the importance of balance in life, Mr Modi underlined that balance is the 'only' key to lead a successful, happy and content life. "There should be a fine balance between studies and extracurricular activities, especially for those inboard classes, and the use of smartphones and gadgets," Prime Minister said, adding that unlike yesteryear, this generation has plenty of opportunities that is why they should be encouraged to indulge in the activities that they have a likeness for otherwise, they will turn into robots.
"However, I have often noticed that parents these days enjoy sending their kids to a range of different activities. It has become a fashion of sort but they need to understand that it will not help their child in any way," Mr Modi cautioned the parents asking them to be more considerate of the children's time-table and allow them to have some time for themselves.
Speaking on the ways to beat the pressure a student undergoes during the examination, Mr Modi said, "Be relaxed and keep your best foot forward. Always remember that even if you fail, you will at least be satisfied to have put your best efforts. Failure is not the end. Falling means you are trying and eventually you will succeed. However, to fall and to never get up is the real loss."
The Prime Minister shared, "During the launch of Chandrayaan-2, some people had told me not to attend the launch event as there was no surety, they were scared of what if it fails. I told them that must be the reason I must be there. Though we did the mission could not do well, India did not fail. The mood of the whole nation changed with a little encouragement the other day," adding, "Motivation and demotivation are common in life. Everyone faces it but that certainly does not mean the end of the story."
Similarly, he drew an example from Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman's historic performance during the India-Australia 2001 test series in Kolkata and severely injured Anil Kumble's unforgettable dismissal of Brian Lara in the Antigua Test of 2002.
The Prime Minister expressed his happiness over addressing the future-leaders and said, "In 2047, India will complete 100 years of Independence. You will be holding unto leadership positions and would want to have good facilities, which can only be ensured by carrying out your duties as a good student and citizen now."
'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme launched back in 2018 with a book titled 'Exam Warriors' authored by Prime Minister himself. This year the event was scheduled for Jan 16 but was postponed to today due to festive celebrations across the nation.
Minister of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' also addressed the event wherein he hailed Prime Minister's initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' to strengthen the country for the future generation.
Post the address, a class 10 Delhi Public School student told UNI that she felt great to interact with Prime Minister. "I don't think any other country or PM conducts such an event where they directly talk to the students. It's a big deal for us."
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