Get out of books, syllabus: PM Modi urges teachers to engage with children's lives

On the eve of Teachers' Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told National Teachers' Awards winners to look beyond textbooks and understand children's lives. He said teachers must identify each child's strengths, curb excessive screen time and support wider social awareness.

In Short

• At Lok Kalyan Marg, award-winning teachers discussed students' wider needs
• Modi asked teachers to recognise strengths in children beyond academic performance
• A teacher said confidence and regular practice are vital for oratory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on teachers to look beyond textbooks and prescribed syllabi and take a more active role in understanding the lives, interests and challenges of their students.

Interacting with the winners of the National Teachers’ Awards at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, on the eve of Teachers’ Day, PM Modi said education cannot remain confined to books and classrooms. He stressed the need for teachers to understand children more closely and help them navigate issues that affect their everyday lives.

“We have to get out of books, we have to get out of syllabus, we have to get into the lives of children,” PM Modi said during the interaction.

He added that teachers have an important role in ensuring that children do not lose the curiosity, creativity and openness associated with childhood.

“Childhood should not be allowed to die. And the biggest job of maintaining childhood can be done by the teacher,” the Prime Minister said.

‘IDENTIFY THE TALENT GOD HAS GIVEN EVERY CHILD’

During the interaction, PM Modi asked teachers whether they tried to identify the individual strengths of students who may not necessarily perform well academically.

“It is possible that a child is not good in education. But God has given everyone strength. Do you try to identify his talent?” he asked.

A teacher responding to the Prime Minister said every child has different qualities, talents and challenges, and that teachers try to identify and nurture those strengths.

The interaction also highlighted how teachers are increasingly using activities outside conventional classroom learning to build students’ confidence and skills.

PM Modi also spoke to a teacher involved in developing public-speaking skills among students and asked for tips on becoming a good orator. The teacher said confidence and regular practice were essential.

PM CALLS FOR ADDRESSING EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME THROUGH SPORTS AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

The discussion also focused on the growing problem of excessive screen time among children.

Modi called for the issue to be addressed by encouraging sports, physical games and creative activities that can help children spend less time on digital devices.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of creating opportunities for children to remain physically active and engaged in meaningful pursuits, while also helping them develop their imagination, confidence and social skills.

FROM BREAST CANCER AWARENESS TO DRUG AWARENESS

The discussion also touched upon issues that go beyond conventional academic subjects.

One teacher spoke about working on breast cancer awareness, particularly among women who may be reluctant to discuss the issue. The teacher said awareness initiatives and primary screening could help women recognise when they need medical advice.

The conversation also touched upon drug awareness among students, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of teachers being alert to changes in children and understanding the challenges they face.

‘TEACHERS HAVE TO GET INTO THE LIVES OF CHILDREN’

PM Modi's remarks placed the teacher at the centre of a broader role in a child's development — one that extends beyond completing the syllabus or preparing students for examinations.

His message was that teachers need to observe students closely, identify their strengths, understand their challenges and create opportunities for them to develop skills such as communication, creativity and confidence.

The Prime Minister congratulated the National Teachers’ Awards winners and wished them success, while emphasising their wider responsibility in shaping the lives of children.

EDUCATION MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS TEACHERS' ROLE

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, in his Teachers’ Day message, said the occasion was an opportunity to honour teachers who provide students with knowledge, skills and self-confidence.

He said this year’s National Teacher Awards recognise teachers from school education, higher education and skills development for their work in areas including innovative teaching, technology, education of disadvantaged children, and nurturing students through art, play and skills.

Joshi also said the honour extends beyond the awardees to the more than 1.3 crore teachers who educate around 25 crore students every day, describing dedicated teachers as central to India’s future.

The occasion is observed on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of former President and educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan.

UTTAR PRADESH'S CM EXTENDS WISHES TO TEACHERS

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday extended his best wishes to educators for Teachers' Day, acknowledging the contribution of those who are passing on the state's "unique tradition of knowledge to the new generation in a modern context".

Sharing a reel on his Instagram account, the Chief Minister cited Uttar Pradesh's ancient tradition of knowledge and highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in the modern education system.

"Since ancient times, Uttar Pradesh has been a sacred land of knowledge, spiritual practice, and cultural values. Kashi illuminated the world with the light of knowledge, while Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Prayagraj have also been major centres of the Sanatan tradition of knowledge," he said.

In a post on X in Hindi, Adityanath also paid tribute to former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary.

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