Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with winners of the National Teachers’ Awards at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on September 4, ahead of Teachers’ Day. During the interaction, he discussed several challenges facing children today, including excessive screen exposure, drug abuse and the need for more engaging and innovative education. PM Modi stressed that teachers must play a role beyond classroom instruction and remain connected with the everyday lives of their students. He said educators should pay attention not only to academic results but also to changes in children’s behaviour, interests and overall development.

Raising concerns over increasing screen time, the Prime Minister described excessive phone and screen use among children as a growing problem. He encouraged teachers to speak with parents about children’s screen habits, including late night mobile use, and promote alternatives such as outdoor sports, physical activities and creative programmes. He also highlighted the issue of drug abuse among young people, urging teachers to remain alert to behavioural changes. According to the Prime Minister, the problem is no longer restricted to large cities or universities, making early awareness and intervention increasingly important. Another major focus of the interaction was identifying children’s hidden abilities. PM Modi asked teachers whether they make efforts to recognise talents among students who may not perform strongly in academics.

He emphasised that every child has different strengths and that education should provide opportunities for those abilities to emerge. The Prime Minister further called for education to move beyond the boundaries of textbooks and prescribed syllabi. He said teachers should connect lessons with real world experiences and help students develop qualities such as curiosity, creativity and respect for different forms of work. PM Modi also interacted with teachers who shared innovative methods being used in their classrooms. Discussions included public speaking, creative learning and new ways of making students more actively involved in the learning process. Teachers’ Day is observed across India on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of former President, philosopher and educator Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. On the occasion, the contribution of teachers in shaping students and society is recognised across the country.