Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised the importance of self-confidence, health and discipline while interacting with students during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, held onboard the historic Charideo vessel on the Brahmaputra River.
Addressing students from across Assam, the Prime Minister said self-belief is the foundation of success and cited the example of Swami Vivekananda’s iconic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
PM Modi recalled that Swami Vivekananda was initially nervous before delivering the speech, but by remembering Goddess Saraswati and strengthening his inner confidence, he went on to deliver a powerful address that won global admiration.
Highlighting the need to prioritise well-being, the Prime Minister said health is often pushed to the bottom of people’s priority lists, which he described as a serious mistake.
“Health must come first,” he said, advising students to practise breathing exercises daily to maintain physical and mental balance.
He also underscored the benefits of waking up early and watching the sunrise, noting that it brings freshness and renewed energy to the body.
Discipline in daily life, PM Modi added, plays a crucial role in achieving long-term success.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister expressed happiness when a student from Assam’s tea garden community presented him with tea sent by her mother. He warmly asked the student to convey his gratitude to her mother, calling the gesture deeply touching.
Responding to a question on parental comparisons, PM Modi advised parents to refrain from comparing children with others, as such comparisons create unnecessary pressure. He said excessive praise of one child can negatively affect another and stressed the need for a balanced and sensitive approach so that no child feels neglected or demoralised.
Answering a query about his diet, the Prime Minister said he never followed a rigid food regimen, especially during his early years when extensive travel required him to eat whatever was available, sometimes even cooking khichdi himself.
He remarked that diet should be treated like medicine and posed a reflective question to students: “Do you want to eat to fill your stomach, or to satisfy your mind?”
PM Modi reiterated the importance of mindful eating and proper breathing, saying one should breathe in a way that energises the entire body.
Speaking on personal growth, he said satisfaction alone does not lead to progress. He encouraged students to constantly compete with themselves, identify their shortcomings and remain determined to move forward in life.
Students who interacted with the Prime Minister said the session helped ease their exam-related stress and made them feel more confident and relaxed about their upcoming examinations.
(IANS)
