Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday advised students to avoid wasting time on the internet merely because data is inexpensive in India and urged them to concentrate on developing their educational and life skills.
Interacting with students during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 at his residence, the Prime Minister stressed that education should never feel like a burden and that half-hearted learning does not lead to success in life.
“Our goals should be within reach, but not easily attainable. First tame the mind, then connect it and focus on the subjects you need to study. If you do this, success will always follow,” Modi told students who had gathered from different parts of the country.
Cautioning against excessive gaming, the Prime Minister said students should not play games merely to pass time because data is cheap. “Do not do it for fun alone. Those who indulge in gaming for money will only be ruined. We should not encourage gambling in the country. I have made a law against online gambling,” he said.
However, Modi acknowledged that gaming can also be a skill, as it requires alertness and speed, and can be used for self-development if approached responsibly.
Highlighting that everyone has their own style of learning, Modi said some students study better in the morning while others prefer night hours. “Whatever suits you, believe in that. Take advice, and if it helps you, incorporate it into your life,” he said.
Referring to the evolution of Pariksha Pe Charcha, the Prime Minister said he had introduced changes over the years without abandoning its core principles. “This time, it was held in different states as well. I changed the approach, but not the original idea,” he said.
Modi also emphasised the role of teachers, saying their pace should always remain one step ahead of their students. He urged students to strike a balance between studies, rest, skills and hobbies, calling it essential for growth.
“There are two kinds of skills — life skills and professional skills — and both go hand in hand. Skill begins with knowledge,” he noted.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Modi recalled a leader telling him on his 75th birthday that “25 years still remain”. “I do not count the past, I count what lies ahead. Do not dwell on the past; focus on the future,” he advised students.
Reiterating that marks alone should not be the focus, the Prime Minister said education must go beyond classrooms and examinations to improve life as a whole. He described the interaction as a meaningful discussion on approaching exams with confidence and positivity.
At the outset, Modi welcomed the students with an Assamese gamosa. The programme was also screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium in the Parliament complex.
Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has evolved from a town-hall interaction into one of India’s largest education engagement initiatives. Registrations have grown steadily, crossing 4.5 crore participants in its ninth edition, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record milestone.