800 students and 60 teachers from various schools in Delhi interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday along with students from across the country who have excelled in various activities. “As a part of Teachers’ Day celebrations, tomorrow at 10 AM I will attend a programme very close to my heart – interaction with school children,” Modi tweeted on Thursday night.
Here are the live updates:
Question from a student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Mungeshpur, New Delhi: You have a unique sense of dressing. Modi kurta has become a fashion statement. How did you get the idea of promoting Indian wear?
PM Modi replies: There is a notion that I have a fashion designer. Let me tell you I don’t have any fashion designer for myself. I have designed this half-sleeve kurta myself, I feel comfortable in it, there is no fashion designer involved.
Question from a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Janakpuri, New Delhi: How should we make our parents understand not to force their ambitions on their kids?
PM Modi replies: My parents would have celebrated even if I had been a clerk. Parents should not force their dreams on their children Parents should try to take out some time from their busy schedule for their wards.
Question from a student in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: When you were a student what fascinated you the most – your classroom learning or experiments outside the classroom?
PM Modi replies: I was not that good in studies. But I was a keen observer. You get a sense of priority in a classroom which helps you plan things.
Question from a student in Bokaro, Jharkhand: What do you think is a recipe of success?
PM Modi replies: There is no recipe for success. We should never let failure to affect us, we should actually learn from it and try to improve always. I suggest you all read a book – Polyana – it’s on positive thinking.
Question from a student in Bengaluru: Why is there a lack of qualified teachers in the country?
PM Modi replies: It’s not that the country lacks qualified teachers. There are plenty of them. People who have excelled in their respective fields should come forward to commit at least 1 hour a week to train and teach children.
Question from a student in Tirunelvelli: Sir, I would like to serve my country. Can you please guide me in what ways I can work for the country?
PM Modi replies: We can serve through little steps. Saving energy is also like service to nation.
Question from a student in Patna: What message do you want to give to lakhs of students aspiring to be an engineer?
PM Modi replies: I am working to bring in a change in some rituals that schools follow. Character Certificates should be replaced with Aptitude Certificate.
Question from a group of students in Bengaluru: Given the condition of waste management in the country, which is highly unorganised. Sir, what are the main challenges in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?
PM Modi replies: When I first thought about the scheme, I felt it was a huge challenge. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is not a government project, it is a thought process. I assure you things will change through small steps.
Question from a student in Panaji, Goa: Which are your favourite games?
PM Modi replies: Everyone knows what game politicians play, quips PM Modi. Kabbadi and Kho-Kho were my favourite games in village. I washed my clothes at village pond, later, swimming became my hobby.
Question from a student in Dehradun: Digital India is a unique scheme but several areas of the country are still without electricity, how will Digital India will be successful?
PM Modi replies: You are right, there are 18,000 villages still without electricity. I announced on 15 August that 1000 villages would soon have electricity connection. We are working towards it, full electrification will soon be achieved
Question from a student in Manipur: To be a good leader what qualities should I nurture?
PM Modi replies: There is a perception in the country that politics is bad. People are afraid to join politics. We are living in a democratic set up. It is important that more good people come into politics. You should build leadership qualities.
Question from a student in Nizamabad, Telangana: Who has been the biggest influence on you sir?
PM Modi replies: If our mind is receptive, we tend to absorb various things. I liked all my teachers and my mother had a great influence on me. I read many books on Swami Vivekanand, which had a great impact on me.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi finishes his address. Interaction with school children from across the country begins now
* We don’t want our students to be robots. The government has launched a new website to identify the talent of students: PM Modi
* Not all recognition can be monetary. Our government is trying to recognise the contribution of teachers: PM Modi
* It’s not a rule that only experts can be teachers. Even the most ordinary and poor can be inspiration to students: PM
* Not many of us lived at the time of Dr. Radhakrishnan, but we did interact with Dr.Kalam who wanted to be remembered as a teacher: PM
* Children spend more time with teachers than at home: PM
* A true teacher never retires: PM
* Sometimes I feel that teachers should write about some students who left a mark on them, it will show their involvement: PM Modi
* I will students are the image of teachers: PM Modi
* PM at Manekshaw auditorium (Delhi), releases commemorative coin and a circulation coin in honor of Dr Radhakrishnan.
* PM Modi launches the website for Kala Utsav, to promote art in education.
