New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on educators to remain watchful against substance abuse among students and to guide young learners away from excessive screen dependency through outdoor athletics, physical games, and creative pursuits. Speaking during an interaction with national award-winning educators at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence ahead of Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding childhood and fostering natural curiosity. He encouraged instructors to adopt engaging, creative teaching methodologies that enhance classroom learning.
The Prime Minister stressed that educators must look beyond mere academic grades, urging them to stay attuned to student behaviour and daily routines. He noted that as traditional joint family structures become less prevalent, the mentorship provided by teachers plays a far more critical role in shaping a child’s emotional and social development.
Addressing the escalating challenge of narcotics, Modi pointed out that identifying drug abuse in major metropolitan areas and university campuses has become increasingly difficult due to discreet distribution networks. He remarked that under such circumstances, educators must proactively raise awareness and closely monitor subtle behavioural shifts in students. Emphasizing holistic guidance, he urged teachers to become meaningful figures in their pupils’ lives beyond prescribed textbooks and curricula, remarking that preserving the spirit of childhood is among an educator’s greatest contributions.
Modi also identified screen addiction as a growing public concern and encouraged teachers to coordinate with parents regarding smartphone use, especially during late-night hours. He suggested that steering youth toward team sports, physical exercise, and creative pastimes offers an organic solution to reduce digital overexposure. Citing the National Education Policy, the Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of experiential learning outside classroom walls to connect students with practical life skills and vocational understanding.
During the dialogue, the Prime Minister commended an educator for organizing breast cancer awareness drives, noting that similar health campaigns in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi had mobilized significant public participation and set a world record for screenings. This year’s National Teachers Awards recognized 82 educators across the country, comprising 48 school teachers, 21 higher education and polytechnic faculty members, and 13 vocational trainers.
