Mixed response to PM’s address

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 16

All government schools and colleges in the city and Panjab University hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s question–answer session on tackling exam stress. 

The programme was also telecast at four locations on the Government Model High School (GMHS), Sector 25, premises.

Before the event began, students were excited to hear the PM. “This is for the first time that such a programme is being telecast where the PM is answering queries of students,” said Shubham Chadha, a student of Class VII. His classmate Sumit Verma hoped the PM spoke in Hindi as he (Sumit) was not good at English language.

Students of all classes became attentive as soon as the PM started speaking. They reacted with joy when the PM joked about exams and anxiety.

As Modi fielded questions on confidence, concentration, parents’ expectations, teachers’ duties, competition among students, and the programme went beyond an hour, some backbenchers started losing interest, inviting teachers intervention.  Rajan, a Class IX student, failed to answer when his teacher asked him about the PM’s tips on tackling exam stress. He was reprimanded and made to sit in the front row.

Many students apparently heaved a sigh of relief as the session that ran for more than an hour and a half did not go beyond the school hours.

However, students, who have to take board exams, were attentive during the session. Abhishek, a Class X student, said, “I learnt a lot during the programme, particularly on how to freshen up mind. Yoga is one of the ways to do so.” Narinder, another student of Class X, said, “I learnt that we have to believe in ourselves. I think I can now better prepare for my board exams.” 

Ajay, another Class X student, said he liked the technique of focussing and de-focussing.

Shivani Machal, a student of Class IX, said, “We have to enjoy studies if we want to learn things faster.” Shushmita Singh and Promila, also of Class IX, were satisfied with Modi’s answer on tackling the issue of concentration.

At Panjab University, there was lesser enthusiasm among students and many skipped the session.