New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with 48 school teachers who are set to receive the National Teachers’ Award on Teachers’ Day.
A five-minute video of the interaction was released on the Prime Minister’s YouTube channel. During the conversation, Modi asked a woman teacher who teaches public speaking how a student could become a confident and effective speaker.
The teacher said the first requirement was confidence. Modi responded with a light-hearted question about how one could develop that confidence, to which the teacher said it comes through regular practice.
This year, 82 teachers and educators from three departments have been selected for the National Teachers’ Awards. They include 48 school teachers, 21 faculty members from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Modi discusses screen time, dress code and changing behaviour
During the interaction, Modi also spoke about some of the challenges faced by children and teachers.
On screen time, he suggested encouraging children to take a greater interest in outdoor sports rather than video games. He said developing an interest in physical sports could gradually help children move away from excessive screen use.
On dress codes, Modi said the issue has emerged in some major cities and universities and may sometimes be linked to a lack of awareness. He also noted that rules can sometimes be introduced without adequate explanation.
He stressed that teachers should remain alert to changes in children’s behaviour, understand the concerns developing in their minds and observe what factors may be contributing to those changes.
