Nothing wrong about raising aspirations, PM tells students

NEW DELHI: There is nothing wrong about raising aspirations and expectations as this is an expression of faith and a negative atmosphere is not conducive to achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday in response to a student’s question on how he dealt with the weight of public expectation.

Terming aspiration as a positive sign in society, Modi said India should have 1.25 billion aspirations. The PM, in his address to students during the second edition of “Pariksha pe Charcha” here, said it is faith in him that is raising expectations and prepares him for achieving higher goals.

“In a way aspirations are a good thing. Suppose a patient who has given up hope of getting well and living... no matter how good medication is given to that person, can such a patient get well? So can a society, a person or a family soaked in negativity do well for anyone?” the PM asked.

“Therefore, hopes and aspirations are necessary for emancipation in society. It’s faith when someone says, ‘How come this is not happening when you are here Modiji (the PM)?’ I want that 1.25 billion citizens should have 1.25 billion aspirations. These aspirations should be brought to light. One should not be burdened by aspirations, but we should be prepared to meet expectations,” he added.

In the course of the townhall, the PM interacted with around 2,000 school students who gathered from across all states and Union territories at Talkatora Stadium here. He also connected live with students from countries like Oman, Iran, Nepal, Kuwait and Russia during the second edition of the “Pariksha Pe Charcha”. For the first time, parents and teachers also posed queries to Modi.

The PM showed himself up to the mark with popular online games when he was responding to a mother concerned over the time her son spent on the net, asking: “PUBG wala hai kya?” Modi’s quick response elicited a laugh from the audience.

A student asked whether one should set stiff targets or easy ones. Stating that instead of reaching for “low-hanging fruit”, the PM said the bar should be high enough so as to inspire a person to achieve higher goals. “Nishan chook maaf, par nichu nishan nahi maaf,” he said, explaining that missing the mark can be forgiven, but there can be no excuse for setting the bar too low.

The PM arrived at the venue to a rousing welcome with students chanting “Modi, Modi”. During his interaction he took around 20 questions — from those on success and failure, aspirations, to technology, stress, challenges, time management, choosing a stream of studies, as well as on how to deal with hostel life. And students wanted more time with the PM, some ruing the fact that they didn’t get a chance to ask questions.

Advising parents not to try to fulfil their own unfulfilled dreams through their children, he said: “Do not treat your ward’s report card as your visiting card.”

Another topic close to his heart, “swachhata”, made its way into the interaction, receiving a loud applause from his young audience. Responding to a student’s query on dealing with depression, he offered the solution to write out pangs and tear up the piece of paper. Pausing in between, he reminded the students that the torn pieces of paper should be kept in the pocket and not littered.

With less than a month to go for the Class 10 and 12 board exams, the PM discussed ways to handle exam stress in the interactive session. “Our learning cannot be reduced to exams only. Our education must equip us to face various challenges of life as well. I sincerely believe that anything that challenges us polishes us too,” he said.

The PM said technology should lead to expansion of the mind and be seen as a means to innovate, but, he also asked students not to forget the playground.

Talking about depression, Modi said: “Students living in hostels can also find some senior or a person with whom they can share their feelings. Parents should try to connect their child with someone who can help their child in a time of crisis or need. A get-together once a weekend will also help.”