PM, Prez to give pep talk to students on eve of Teachers’ Day

New Delhi, Sep 2: Students from across the country will get to listen to both the Prime Minister and the President back-to-back giving a pep talk on the eve of Teacher’s Day, in what is being described as a first of its kind initiative by the government.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be interacting with the students from 10 am to 11.45 am at the Manekshaw auditorium, President Pranab Mukherjee would be teaching the pupils of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya and interacting with teachers inside the President’ Estate.

Both the events would be broadcast live by Doordarshan and All India Radio. However, much of the attention would remain on PM’s engagement with students, with the HRD Ministry asking all states to make “necessary arrangements so that children can view live address on TV”. The Delhi government has asked all schools to ensure that the children view the live telecast of PM’s address from 9.45 am to 11.45 am.

“After the PM’s address, children will remain seated and watch the President’s class with students of government schools starting at 11.45 am,” its circular said. Separately, CBSE has asked all affiliated schools to make necessary arrangements so that “children may get an opportunity to learn from the Prime Minister’s interaction”.

The PM will interact with children from across the country through satellite link. Live web streaming of PM’s address would be available on PMO’s website as well as the YouTube channel of the HRD Ministry. Last year, the PM’s interaction had triggered a controversy as students had to stay back after school hours to listen to him — the interaction starting at 3.30 pm.

The events are being held on September 4 as September 5 — Teachers’ Day — is a school holiday and the country would also be celebrating Janamashtmi. “The programmes have therefore been scheduled a day ahead,” officials in the HRD Ministry said.

PTI