New Delhi, Feb 5: Pariksha Pe Charcha has marked a quiet yet decisive transformation in India’s educational journey. Initiated in 2018 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an annual interactive program, the initiative has now evolved into a nationwide movement, said Union Eductaion Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The program has grown beyond a simple public outreach exercise to become a collective effort focused on the holistic well‑being of students. Parents and teachers have also emerged as active participants, sharing responsibility for reducing exam stress and fostering a supportive learning environment, said the Minister.

"The scale of participation this year reflects the depth of the program. With more than 45 million registrations, Pariksha Pe Charcha has surpassed previous Guinness World Records. It has moved beyond public outreach to enter an important phase of collective responsibility.

The Prime Minister’s inspiring leadership, through his interaction with students on issues such as education, learning, and exam-related stress, reflects a unique blend of empathy, practicality, and motivational guidance. By transcending complexities, he easily connects with students as a guide, mentor, and well‑wisher. This innate ability sets him apart. He speaks with generosity, humor, and sincerity. Often, he draws from his own life experiences to illustrate broader values such as patience, focus, and self‑confidence. This personal touch not only reduces exam‑related stress but also creates a reassuring and positive environment where students are inspired to learn and progress with confidence, the Minister added.

Recognising Every Child’s Uniqueness

At the heart of this initiative lies a simple yet profoundly powerful truth: every child is unique. Each child learns differently, progresses at their own pace, and possesses talents that cannot be confined to marks or ranks. Exams, by their very nature, reflect only a limited aspect of a child’s potential. True creativity and excellence emerge through the holistic development of personality.
One child may excel in mathematics, another may have artistic imagination, while yet another may hold the potential to become a compassionate and sensitive doctor. These differences are not limitations; rather, they form the foundation of a diverse, empowered, and innovative society.

Reflection of the National Education Policy–2020 Vision

At the core of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a child‑centric vision. Teaching methods, curriculum, and assessments are being restructured to emphasize creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, physical health, and moral values alongside academics. Early play‑based learning and mother‑tongue instruction aim to strengthen conceptual understanding, while multilingual education prepares a confident generation rooted in culture yet globally connected.
Assessment reforms include Class X board exams twice a year, offering flexibility and reducing stress. A 360‑degree progress card now evaluates academic, social‑emotional, and physical growth. Recognizing well‑being as integral to education, CBSE schools must appoint socio‑emotional counselors to support students in managing academic and emotional challenges.

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Holistic Education – The Central Focus

Today’s education is no longer confined to textbooks, examinations, and rote learning. A clear emphasis is being placed on holistic education. It is now widely understood that academic excellence alone cannot prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Children cannot learn effectively under the burden of anxiety, fear, or emotional stress. India’s civilizational traditions provide enduring tools to address these challenges, such as mindfulness, pranayama, and yoga. These practices help children better understand their emotions and bring focus, calmness, and stability.

Addressing the Challenge

However, we are confronted with a different modern challenge – excessive digital usage and screen time. Prolonged exposure to digital devices reduces concentration, disrupts sleep, and affects both mental and physical health. Continuous connectivity, online comparisons, and the pressure of overstimulation often increase exam stress and weaken the mindfulness we seek to cultivate in children.
This is where parents and teachers can play a vital role. By setting safe limits on device usage and encouraging alternatives such as physical activities, creative pursuits, and family discussions, we can restore balance and help children grow in a healthier, more mindful environment.


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Students – Torchbearers of Progress

Excellence in every field is essential for a developed India. When children are free to discover and develop their unique abilities, the nation advances through creativity, inclusiveness, and collective progress. In this era of artificial intelligence, the gap between curiosity and problem‑solving has narrowed. As teachers, parents, and guardians, it is crucial to ensure that children are empowered to carry this exploration forward.
For this, they must be provided with the right tools, clear safeguards, steady guidance, and consistent support. They should also be given the freedom to experiment, innovate, and even fail. Today’s children are the torchbearers of a developed India in 2047. Those who learn with curiosity, innovate with confidence, and remain firmly rooted in their cultural heritage while connecting with the world are already building a stronger India.
Such children must be supported through an education system that focuses on the development of the mind, heart, and hands. A system that respects talent, nurtures purpose, and prepares them for meaningful lives. This is the spirit of Pariksha Pe Charcha: freeing children from fear and shaping them into confident citizens for a developed India by 2047.