Look Beyond Academics, Spot Behavioural Changes and Help, Modi Tells Teachers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged teachers to look beyond marks and academic performance, asking them to pay close attention to changes in children’s behaviour and daily lives. He specifically warned about drug addiction and excessive screen use.

Modi made the remarks on Friday evening while meeting winners of the National Teachers Awards at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, a day before Teachers’ Day. This year’s awardees include 82 educators: 48 school teachers, 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

The awardees shared classroom experiences and innovations designed to make learning more engaging and effective. Modi said teachers have taken on a larger role as traditional joint-family structures gradually decline. He urged them to observe children closely, identify problems early and provide personal attention when needed.

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remain alert to changes in children, identify the cause and help such children overcome the habit

On drug addiction, Modi called on teachers to “remain alert to changes in children, identify the cause and help such children overcome the habit.” He also described “preserving the innocence of childhood” as an important responsibility, saying teachers should nurture and appropriately channel children’s natural curiosity.

Modi asked teachers to speak with parents about children’s screen time, including whether they continue using mobile phones late at night. He suggested encouraging sports, physical games and creative activities as ways to help children reduce excessive screen use. He also linked the role to the National Education Policy, calling for learning beyond the classroom and greater connections with real-world skills and different forms of work.

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preserving the innocence of childhood