In a new format, PM Modi joins forces with celebrities to inspire students during 'Pariksha Pe Charcha'

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The popular program 'Pariksha Pe Charcha,' an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to engage students in a new and exciting format this year. While PM Modi has traditionally answered questions on how to stay stress-free during exams and perform better this edition will feature several eminent personalities from various fields. In addition to the Prime Minister, renowned film actress Deepika Padukone actor Vikrant Massey, actress Bhumi Pednekar and sports figures will join the conversation, offering their valuable tips and insights to students. The program, which will be held on February 10 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in Delhi, has sparked excitement among students across the country.

A Nationwide Movement

'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC), which began as an initiative by Prime Minister Modi to transform the stress surrounding exams into a celebration of learning, has evolved over the years into a nationwide movement. The 8th edition of PPC, scheduled for 2025, saw an unprecedented number of registrations—3.56 crore students—marking an increase of 1.3 crore from the previous year's 2.26 crore. What started as a simple program has grown into a significant "people's movement," deeply connecting students, teachers and parents nationwide. The initiative aims to alleviate exam stress and encourages students to view exams as a celebration a festival—an "Utsav."

Impact on Mental Well-being and Holistic Education

The tremendous growth in participation reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being and holistic education. The interactive format of PPC, featuring open dialogue between students, teachers, and the Prime Minister, has contributed significantly to its success. The program’s influence extends beyond the discussion itself, with numerous activities organized at the school level to promote a stress-free and engaging atmosphere. From January 12, 2025 (National Youth Day) to January 23, 2025 (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti), these activities reached 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools across India.

Celebrating Pariksha Pe Charcha as a Festival

To make PPC a true "Jan Andolan," students, teachers, and parents were encouraged to celebrate the event as a festival. The activities included indigenous games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, short marathons, creative meme competitions, street performances, and poster-making. Students were also invited to participate in student-led discussions, share testimonials, and join yoga and meditation sessions to promote relaxation and mental peace. Schools organized plays, conducted workshops, and invited special guests to share their wisdom with students.

The continued success and growth of Pariksha Pe Charcha not only highlight its impact on reducing stress but also underline the importance of creating a supportive and open environment for students during one of the most crucial times in their academic lives. This year’s expanded format promises to bring even more valuable perspectives to the table, further cementing the program's place as a transformative force in the lives of young learners across India.