Focus not only on marks but also on improving life: PM Modi to students
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday advised students not to waste time on internet just because data is cheap in the country and focus on honing their life and educational skills.
Education should not be a burden and everyone should be totally involved as half-hearted education does not make life successful, he said while interacting with students in the ninth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026'.
"Our goal should be such that it is within reach, but not easily attainable. Tame the mind, then connect the mind, and then keep the subjects you need to study. Then you will always find the student successful," he told a group of students who had come from various parts of the country at his residence here.
Modi also cautioned students against wasting time on gaming for fun.
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"You are interested in gaming but don't indulge in it for passing time just because data is cheap in India. Don't do it for fun. Those who indulge in gaming for money will only be ruined. We do not have to encourage gambling in the country. I have made a law against online gambling," he said.
However, the prime minister noted that gaming is a skill as there is lot of speed in it and can be used to test alertness and for self-development.
The prime minister stressed that everyone has their own pattern or style of functioning.
"I have become PM. Still, people tell me to work in different ways. But everyone has their own pattern. Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Whatever suits you, believe in that. But also take advice, and if that benefits you, then only add it to your life structure," he said.
Modi said even he has changed a few things in the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', but did not leave his principle pattern.
"When I started 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', there was a pattern. Now, gradually, I am changing it. This time, I did it in different states as well. I also changed my pattern, but didn't abandon the original pattern," he said.
The prime minister also said the teacher's effort should be to ensure that the student's speed is such that his own speed is one step ahead of theirs.
He asked the students to balance studies, rest, skills and hobbies, which is the key to growth.
"Even there are two skills: life skills and professional skills. I say both go hand in hand. So, skill starts with knowledge," he said.
Modi recalled that a leader had called him on his birthday and said, "You have completed 75 years, 25 still remain".
"But I don't count the past. I count what is remaining. So I say to you: don't think about the past. Try to live what is in front of you," he said.
The prime minister said education should not be a burden and everyone should be totally involved as half-hearted education does not make life successful.
"That is why we should not just focus on marks, but on improvement of life. That goes beyond classrooms and exams," he said.
The prime minister said it was a wonderful discussion with students on approaching exams with confidence and positivity.
At the outset, he welcomed all the students at his residence with an Assamese 'Gamosa'.
The 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha was also screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium in Parliament premises.
Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha began as student interaction in townhall format before expanding into one of India’s largest education engagement exercises. Registrations rose from about 38.8 lakh in 2023 to 2.26 crore in 2024, before touching 3.53 crore in 2025—a milestone that earned the programme a Guinness World Record. The ninth edition broke the previous record with over 4.5 crore registrations.
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Hasiru Farms Marks 77th Republic Day with 77 Kms Cyclothon at VRUKSHA Project Launch
Bengaluru (Karnataka): February 06: Hasiru Farms, a theme-based managed farmland and eco-habitat brand rooted in sustainability and cultural living, marked National Road Safety Month and India’s 77th Republic Day with a 77-kilometre Cyclothon and the official launch of its latest project, VRUKSHA – Power in Every Root. Hasiru Farms in association with the AWF (Avanti Welfare Foundation) cycling community, the 77-km Cyclothon was flagged off from HSR Layout, Bengaluru, and concluded at the VRUKSHA project site off Kanakapura Road. The initiative brought together road safety awareness, environmental responsibility, and community-led land stewardship through an on-ground experiential movement.
Held during National Road Safety Month, the Cyclothon highlighted road discipline, safety, and sustainable modes of travel, encouraging participants to view progress as mindful and inclusive—both on roads and in life. On arrival at the project site, participants took part in a 77-tree plantation drive, with each sapling representing one year of India’s Republic.
“Road safety is about responsibility. Republic Day is about duty. VRUKSHA is about legacy. The project offers curated farmland plots within a professionally managed ecosystem, supported by long-term plantation planning, maintenance, and community-centric spaces.” said MS Akshar, Founder, MD & CEO from Hasiru Farms. “Through this initiative, we want to balance sustainability, tradition, culture, and modern living for better living”
The launch of VRUKSHA was designed as a calm, immersive experience rather than a conventional real estate event. The programme included guided walks through existing arecanut plantations, project walkthroughs, open interactions with the Hasiru Farms team, and a shared community meal. Conceived as “The Earthen Antidote,” VRUKSHA is a theme-based managed farmland project aimed at addressing urban fatigue and disconnection from nature. Planned features include Mannina Mane (mud homes) and shared areas focused on wellness, learning, and nature-led living.
About Hasiru:
Founded in 2021, Hasiru Farms operates across Karnataka, with projects in regions such as Kanakapura, Magdi, Ramanagar, Sakleshpur, and surrounding green corridors. The brand is known for its theme-based managed farmland developments that integrate sustainability, cultural relevance, and long-term value creation.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
