Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with students from Gujarat’s Devmogra during his annual Pariksha Pe Charcha programme, holding a wide-ranging discussion with tribal students on education, stress management, career choices and the contribution of tribal communities to nation-building.
The students, most of whom belong to tribal regions of the state, welcomed the Prime Minister in their native language and expressed happiness on seeing him wear a jacket featuring their traditional folk art.
“We are very excited to meet you, Sir. Everyone wants to meet you at least once and interact with you, and we feel honoured to have had that opportunity today,” a student told PM Modi.
During the session, the Prime Minister recalled meeting two students—Jai and Avi from Mandvi—during an earlier interaction in 2022, highlighting his continued engagement with young learners from the region.
One student asked the Prime Minister about the inspiration behind his efforts towards the development of Gujarat’s tribal regions. Responding to the query, PM Modi referred to his experiences during the Pal-Chitariya event and the challenges faced by tribal communities.
“The tribal community’s freedom movement was a significant chapter and involved many struggles. There was once a terrible famine, and I spent a lot of time working in those areas. That made me realise the importance of focusing on education, and when I became Chief Minister, I knew it had to be prioritised,” he said.
Highlighting improvements in educational infrastructure, the Prime Minister added, “You would be surprised to know that earlier there was no science school from Umbergaon to Ambaji. Today, several educational institutions are benefiting students across the region.”
“Education is vital for growth, and strong infrastructure forms the foundation for long-term development,” he said.
Students also sought his advice on dealing with exam stress, referring to stressful national incidents such as the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor while discussing mental pressure. The Prime Minister encouraged students to focus on preparation and consistent practice.
“Recall your earlier exams. You will realise that before the exam you were tense, and after the exam the tension disappeared. The best preparation for exams is practising by writing, not just reading. Most people only read, but if you keep practising, stress will automatically reduce,” he said.
He further advised students to refresh their minds by maintaining a healthy routine.
“Laugh and sleep well to refresh your mind,” he told them.
Another student asked about choosing the right career path amid numerous professional opportunities. Responding in a light-hearted manner, the Prime Minister spoke about how parents often react when children express diverse career aspirations and encouraged students to pursue what truly inspires them.
“Learn to live in accordance with your dreams,” PM Modi told the students.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of preserving tribal culture and heritage.
Tribal artist Kishan Janabhai Rathava presented him with a Pithora Art painting—a traditional ritual artwork symbolising deities and divine blessings.
“I feel honoured that the Prime Minister accepted my paintings. It felt like talking to a friend,” Kishan said.
The Prime Minister emphasised the crucial role of teachers and parents in shaping a student’s life.
“If you meet any great person in the world, you will find two common influences in their life: the significant role of their mother and the important role of their teacher,” he said.
Responding to a question on how tribal youth can contribute to the nation’s development, PM Modi highlighted the community’s longstanding role in India’s progress.
“The growth India has witnessed today is deeply connected to the contributions of the tribal community. Our progress is enriched by tribal societies, who worship nature and protect it. Even today, a significant number of members of the tribal community serve in the Indian armed forces. There can be no distinction across sectors of the country,” he said, citing the example of Indian cricketer Kranti Gaud, a tribal woman from Madhya Pradesh.
Students expressed happiness after the interaction, saying the conversation with the Prime Minister left a lasting impression on them.
“We did not even realise how much time had passed while interacting with PM Modi,” a student said.
The students also performed tribal songs for the Prime Minister, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere during the interaction.
(IANS)
