From cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to former chess champion Viswanathan Anand to scientist CNR Rao, PM Narendra Modi played messages of Indian icons to address concerns of exam-bound students, but himself remained silent on the raging students’ issues in his latest Mann ki Baat on Sunday.
PM Narendra Modi and other leaders attend the Kisan Swabhimaan Rally in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.
Modi’s monthly radio talk show came amid his government and party’s confrontation with the Opposition’s over student issues related to the JNU and the Hyderabad university. At least three Opposition parties have also decided to move a motion of breach of privilege against Union HRD minister Smriti Irani on Monday, before government presents its third general budget.
The PM, however, used the platform to reach out to students, giving them tips to battle exam stress. He underlined students should have a “positive approach” and a “free and calm mind without any anxiety” while appearing for the exams. He also asked parents not to put pressure on them.
But Congress reacted to Hindi preacher Murari Bapu’s pep talk in the show. “If dodgy godmen with dubious academic credentials are the idols that the PMholds out to students, then God held India,” said Congress leader Manish Tewari.
{{/usCountry}}But Congress reacted to Hindi preacher Murari Bapu’s pep talk in the show. “If dodgy godmen with dubious academic credentials are the idols that the PMholds out to students, then God held India,” said Congress leader Manish Tewari.
{{/usCountry}}Tendulkar spoke on how to manage the pressure of expectations while Anand talked about how to focus on the exams, drawing from their own professional experiences. The PM even invoked writer JK Rowling and inventor of electricity Thomas Edison to point out success can come after a series of failures.
“Students should care about their health. Discipline is important — those who are unorganised and indisciplined waste enough and are tense,” he said. This was his second attempt in a week to reach out to the student community. He had earlier interacted with students in BHU.
(With PTI inputs)