Updated On: 05 Sep 2026
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged teachers to look beyond textbooks and prescribed syllabi and take a more active role in understanding the lives, interests, strengths and challenges of their students.
Interacting with winners of the National Teachers’ Awards at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on the eve of Teachers’ Day, Modi said education must not remain confined to books and classrooms. Teachers, he said, should closely understand children and help them deal with issues affecting 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,” Modi said.
He stressed that teachers also have a crucial responsibility to preserve children’s curiosity, creativity and openness, saying, “Childhood should not be allowed to die. And the biggest job of maintaining childhood can be done by the teacher.”
Identify every child’s talent
Modi asked teachers whether they make an effort to identify the individual strengths of students who may not necessarily excel 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 told the Prime Minister that every child has different qualities, talents and challenges, and that teachers work to identify and nurture those strengths.
The interaction also highlighted the growing use of activities beyond conventional classroom learning to build students’ confidence and skills. Modi spoke to a teacher involved in developing public-speaking skills among students and sought tips on becoming a good orator. The teacher said confidence and regular practice were essential.
Tackle screen addiction through sports, creativity
The growing problem of excessive screen time among children also figured prominently in the interaction.
Modi called for children to be encouraged to take part in sports, physical games and creative activities to reduce their dependence on digital devices. He stressed the need to create opportunities for children to remain physically active and meaningfully engaged while developing their imagination, confidence and social skills.
Teachers urged to promote health, drug awareness
The discussion also covered issues extending beyond conventional academic subjects.
One teacher spoke about efforts to create breast cancer awareness, particularly among women who may be reluctant to discuss the disease. Awareness programmes and primary screening, the teacher said, could help women recognise when they need medical advice.
Drug awareness among students was also discussed, with Modi stressing that teachers must remain alert to changes in children and understand the challenges they face.
From syllabus completion to shaping lives
Modi’s message placed teachers at the centre of a much broader role in a child’s development — one that goes beyond completing the syllabus and preparing students for examinations.
Teachers, he said, need to observe students closely, identify their strengths, understand their difficulties and create opportunities for them to develop communication, creativity, confidence and other skills.
The Prime Minister congratulated the National Teachers’ Awards winners and wished them success, while underlining their wider responsibility in shaping the lives of children.
Joshi highlights role of 1.3 crore teachers
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 contributions in areas including innovative teaching, technology, education of disadvantaged children, and nurturing students through art, play and skills.
Joshi said the honour extended beyond the awardees to more than 1.3 crore teachers who educate around 25 crore students every day, describing dedicated teachers as central to India’s future.
Teachers’ Day is observed on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of former President and educationist Dr S. Radhakrishnan.
