NEW DELHI: Long before smartphones, search engines and artificial intelligence entered the classroom, Prime Minister Modi Says one habit shaped his thinking as a student – reading newspapers and discussing ideas. Recalling his school days, Modi told students that a teacher once gave him a daily task based on curiosity and discipline. “My teachers used to tell us, ‘Go to the library. times of indiathere’s a quote on the editorial page – write it in your notebook and come, ‘We’ll talk about it a lot the next day,’” he said, emphasizing the role of reading and reflection in learning. The Prime Minister was speaking during the second episode of the 9th Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, where he interacted with students from Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati and Devmogra in Gujarat. Through personal anecdotes and simple examples, Modi urged students to develop habits of enhanced thinking rather than relying on shortcuts. He warned against excessive use of technology, saying mobile phones had become “masters” of some children. “Some kids can’t even eat unless they’re watching a smartphone or TV,” he observed. He said that every era faces the fear of new technologies, but technology must not dominate human life. On artificial intelligence, Modi suggested balance rather than blind reliance and said artificial intelligence should be used for guidance and value addition rather than a substitute for learning. He noted that the nature of work will continue to change, just as transportation once shifted from handcarts to airplanes. The Prime Minister also shared practical tips for exams, emphasizing preparation and rest. He said a good night’s sleep keeps students in a good mood and encourages them to practice previous years’ papers and focus on writing. He warned parents against encouraging comparisons at home, saying constant comparisons can create stress rather than motivation. Talking about leadership, Modi said leadership starts with courage and initiative. Expressing happiness that students are carrying the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047, Modi said small habits make a developed country. Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into a major student engagement initiative. The ninth edition of the event, held this year, attracted participation from across the country, reflecting the continued enthusiasm of students across the country.
