Teachers' Day: When PM Narendra Modi gave 'Guru Mantra' to students

New Delhi, Sept 4: On the eve of Teachers' Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with nearly 800 students and 60 teachers from various schools in New Delhi.

In his almost 75-minute-long interaction with students PM Modi answered to various questions from students, from various parts of country, in his trademark unique style. PM encouraged the students to inculcate the qualities of leadership and pursue their dreams with full dedication.

Here is the excerpt of the questions put up by students and how PM answered to their queries:

Q: Your fashion sense is talked about a lot, how did the idea of promoting Indian clothes come to you?

PM: I don't know why people think I have a fashion designer who styles me. I only dress simple and sober. Long kurta used to occupy lot of space in my bag hence, I used cut the sleeves for more space and it became comfortable too. Today, the same kurtas are branded as "Modi-kurtas".

Q: How did you develop your oratory skills?

PM: The first thing is to be a good listener, your confidence grows. Next, you shouldn't worry about what other people will think of you and your thoughts when you come on stage. Parents shouldn't impose their own dreams on kids, that would mean they don't know what the kids are capable of.

Q: Why can't the youth take up teaching as a profession. How to make teaching more attractive to youth?

PM: India doesn't lack good teachers, it needs to be channelised.

Q: What is the recipe for success?

PM: There is no recipe for success and failure shouldn't be converted as a 'graveyard of dreams'. Our outlook towards our failures defines our successes.

Q: When you were a student what fascinated you most?

PM: Classroom education builds our temperament for the outside world.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you?

PM: If with a receptive mind we meet people, everyone influences and teaches us something. I was always a curious child. I used to spend a lot of time in the library where I read works of Swami Vivekananda, which left a mark on me.

Q: What message for students wanting to give engineering and medical exams?

PM: Can serve the nation not only by joining the armed forces or being in politics. Several ways to contribute to nation building.

Q: What are the challenges on Swachh Bharat initiative?

PM: If school students are achieving so much, developing Apps on Swachh Bharat and winning laurels then I am sure India can be Swachh.

Q: Want to be a successful leader and contribute in politics. What personality and traits are needed?

PM: Everybody knows 'what' politicians are doing today (laughs). Good people and people from all walks of life are required in politics. Do you recall how people from all walks of life joined Mahatma Gandhi during freedom struggle. It benefitted the nation. Leadership quality is essential. You must also be clear why you want to be a leader: to fight elections only or to make a difference.

Q: Digital India is a great effort but many places in India do not have electricity?

PM: You are right, there are villages with no electricity. In next 1,000 days we have taken up the effort to give power to 18,000 villages.

OneIndia News