PM Modi's candid talk with National Award teachers

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted National Teachers Award winners at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for an interactive session. During the exchange, the Prime Minister engaged with the awardees on topics like innovative teaching techniques, public speaking, screen addiction, drug abuse, and the importance of preserving childhood.

PM Modi quipped with a teacher who was teaching children how to conduct interviews innovatively, saying, They must be interviewing their parents at home too. The teacher laughed and added, Yes, sir. And now, just for fun, all the kids in my school want to be reporters.

When asked for tips on becoming a skilled orator, one teacher admitted to feeling nervous, making PM Modi ask if confidence requires an aura. The teacher replied, Your aura is already there, sir.

The Prime Minister also inquired if teachers identify hidden talents in students who may not excel academically. A teacher shared that every child has unique strengths and challenges. One awardee credited PM Modi's Eklavya schools initiative for transforming first-generation learners' aspirations, saying their children now dream of NITs and IITs.

Another teacher working on breast cancer awareness among women mentioned the hesitance of women to talk about the disease. PM Modi, as the MP from Kashi, had launched a breast cancer awareness campaign, which has helped increase screening. He also cautioned about rising screen time among children and urged teachers to promote sports and creativity to combat addiction.

PM Modi concluded by emphasizing the need for educators to focus on the child's life beyond academics, ensuring childhood is preserved. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Teachers Awards to 48 school teachers after a three-stage selection process.