“Marks are not the ultimate goal, complete development of life is,” PM Modi said while interacting with students during the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacts after India and the United States agree on a framework for an interim trade agreement, in New Delhi on February 7. | Photo: ANI
Ahead of the commencement of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class 10 and 12 board exams, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed that education is not only for exams but for life, and exams are meant to examine oneself.
“Marks are not the ultimate goal, complete development of life is,” PM Modi said while interacting with students during the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha.
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The board exams are scheduled to commence from 17th February.
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PM Modi, who had an informal interaction with ‘Exam Warriors’, at his residence in Delhi, stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be a tool to enhance strength and wisdom, not just entertainment.
He also advised parents to allow children to blossom according to their capacity, ability, and interest.
The Prime Minister highlighted the vast opportunities available to the current generation, particularly in technology, and remarked that while his era lacked such opportunities, today’s youth must use Artificial Intelligence wisely.
He explained that using AI merely to summarise biographies adds little value, but asking AI to recommend biographies based on age and interests, then reading those books, leads to genuine development. “AI should be a tool to enhance strength and wisdom, not just entertainment,” PM Modi said.
Students expressed appreciation for his guidance on AI usage, noting its relevance to their own technological pursuits.
During the interaction, a student raised a question about pursuing a future in gaming despite societal pressure to focus only on studies. The Prime Minister explained that parents often discourage initially, but once success is achieved, they take pride and celebrate it.
He encouraged the student to channel interest in gaming productively by creating games based on India’s rich stories such as Panchatantra or mythological events, and to share them on social media platforms to gain recognition.
PM Modi highlighted that gaming is a skill requiring speed and alertness, which contributes to self-development, and advised focusing on building expertise in high-quality games. He cautioned against gambling in gaming, noting that laws have been enacted to prevent such practices, and stressed that gaming should be pursued as a constructive skill.
Students expressed excitement at visiting the Prime Minister’s residence, noting his friendly manner, genuine interest in their questions, and the thoughtful answers he provided.
In response to a question on balancing study pressures, especially during pre-boards, the Prime Minister remarked that this is a common concern. He emphasised that education should not be seen as compulsion or burden but requires total involvement. Without full engagement, incomplete education cannot lead to success.
He cautioned against the obsession with marks, asking whether anyone remembers the name of a student who scored highest marks last year in boards. When the student replied no, PM Modi underscored that even if such achievements are praised briefly, they are soon forgotten, showing how little importance marks hold. He advised students not to tie their minds to marks but to focus on where their life is heading, continuously testing themselves not only in classrooms or exam halls but in life itself.
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