Hyderabad: R. Akshara Siri, a student from the Ranga Reddy district, was on Friday the only student from the state to participate in the Pariksha pe Charcha programme, an interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and students, teachers and parents from across the country.
Akshara, a Class 9 student of Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya in Ranga Reddy district, who was participating online, got an opportunity to ask Modi a question, which the Prime Minister answered.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the youngster said: “It was a great and enriching experience and I believe that it was a lifetime opportunity for me to be a part of 'Pariska Pe Charcha' and to ask the Prime Minister a question and get guidance from him directly.”
Akshara, who participated through video conferencing, asked the PM, “how can one learn more languages and how would it benefit a person.”
Responding to her question, the PM highlighted the cultural diversity and rich heritage of India. “By attempting to learn a regional language, you are not just learning about the language becoming an expression but also opening doors to the history and heritage associated with the region.”
The screening process for participation in the PPC involved two rounds. The student has to write an essay of 500 words on the topic ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha.’ Six students from the state were shortlisted at this level. Following the written round, a one-on-one interview was conducted by officials from the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, who selected Akshara as a participant.
Akshara said that she had been following the Pariksha pe Charcha series since she was in Class 4, and had detailed knowledge about the programme. She said she believed that the programme brought a positive change in school children, especially about overcoming fear of exams with the wisdom shared by the PM.
“The programme understands the troubles and fears faced by the students during the examinations. I was really encouraged by the interaction, and my parents, teachers and classmates have been very supportive,” Akshara said.
Her father R. Venkata Durga Prasad is a freelance software engineer and her mother C. Padmaja teaches English to middle and higher classes in Akshara’s Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. Akshara has two elder sisters, one an architect and the other a BTech first year student.
Akshara said her hobbies were reading, writing and dancing. Her favourite subjects, she said, are English and Biology. She does well academically. Her final score of Class 8 was 91 per cent and she said she scored 98 per cent in her latest unit test.
