Leh : A student from Ladakh, Padma, got a chance to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latest edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, sharing her thoughts on dreams and ambitions of young people from the region.
Introducing herself as a student from Ladakh, Padma asked how children of her age should dream big and where they should begin to turn those dreams into reality. Reflecting on her experience, she later said she was initially nervous as it was her first such interaction, but her nervousness turned into excitement when the Prime Minister came in front of her.
Responding to students’ queries, the Prime Minister said dreaming was essential for young people, but dreams must be supported by action. He stressed that success at every stage of life creates the path forward and that students should give priority to hard work and consistent effort.
During the interaction, Modi cautioned students against becoming dependent on technology, observing that some children cannot even eat without a mobile phone or television. He urged them to ensure that technology remains a tool to enhance their abilities rather than becoming a master over their lives. At the same time, he encouraged students not to fear emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence but to use them to sharpen their skills.
The Prime Minister also shared practical advice for examinations, asking students to practice previous years’ papers and maintain proper sleep. Good preparation and adequate rest, he said, help reduce stress and keep the mind cheerful.
Highlighting values beyond academics, Modi spoke about discipline in daily life, including reducing wastage, following civic sense, and learning from developed nations’ habits. He recalled the role of teachers and mothers in shaping a child’s life and underlined that communication and initiative are key qualities of leadership.
Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into a nationwide student engagement programme. The latest editions have seen record participation from students across the country, including remote regions like Ladakh, reflecting the programme’s wide outreach.
Padma’s participation has drawn attention in Ladakh, with educators saying such national platforms motivate students from the region to aim higher and share their voices at the national level.
