Teachers’ Day this year brought a conversation that went well beyond classrooms, textbooks and examination results. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while interacting with National Teachers’ Award winners, asked educators to take a closer look at the everyday lives of children and remain alert to challenges such as excessive screen use and drug addiction.
The interaction took place at the Prime Minister’s residence on September 4, ahead of Teachers’ Day. The discussion covered teaching methods, children’s behaviour, creativity, technology and the changing responsibilities of educators.
Rather than limiting the role of teachers to academic progress, Modi emphasised that educators can often become the first people to notice when something changes in a child’s behaviour.
PM Modi teachers interaction- From Marks to the Child Behind Them
A major message from the interaction was that a student’s report card cannot tell the entire story.
Modi urged teachers to observe students more closely and notice changes in their behaviour or daily routine. Such changes, he suggested, can sometimes point towards problems that may not immediately be visible to parents or schools.
The idea is particularly important as family structures and children’s social environments continue to change. With joint families becoming less common, teachers can increasingly become an important source of guidance and support in a child’s life.
For educators, this means paying attention not just to who is scoring well, but also to who has suddenly become withdrawn, distracted or unusually different from their normal behaviour.
PM Modi teachers interaction- Modi Flags Excessive Screen Time
Another concern discussed during the meeting was the growing amount of time children spend looking at screens.
Mobile phones, tablets and other digital devices have become part of everyday life, including education. But Modi urged teachers to work with parents to ensure that technology does not consume too much of a child’s day.
He specifically encouraged teachers to discuss children’s screen habits with their families, including whether students remain on their phones late at night.
The suggested solution was not simply to take technology away. Instead, children should be encouraged to discover activities that can compete with the attraction of a screen.
Sports, physical games and creative pursuits were highlighted as ways to help children spend more time away from devices. The broader objective is to create a healthier balance between the digital world and real-world experiences.
PM Modi teachers interaction- Concern Over Drug Addiction Among Young People
Drug abuse was another issue that received attention during the interaction.
Modi called on teachers to create awareness among students about the dangers of drugs and remain vigilant if they notice behavioural changes. He pointed to the difficulty of identifying the extent of the problem, particularly in large cities and universities.
Teachers, he said, can contribute by opening conversations with students and creating awareness before a problem becomes more serious.
The emphasis on early observation is significant. A teacher may see a student’s changing behaviour regularly, while parents may not always be able to identify subtle changes immediately.
The message therefore puts schools and families on the same side of the effort to protect young people from substance abuse.
Protecting Childhood in a Digital Age
Beyond screen addiction and drugs, Modi also spoke about something more fundamental — preserving childhood.
The Prime Minister encouraged teachers to nurture curiosity and allow children to remain interested in exploring, questioning and discovering things around them.
That approach shifts the focus from simply producing students who can memorise information to developing young people who can think independently.
Creative activities, sports and practical experiences can provide children with opportunities to learn outside traditional classroom settings. They can also help students develop confidence, communication skills and a sense of participation.
Award-Winning Teachers Share Their Experiences
The meeting also gave the recognised teachers an opportunity to discuss the methods and experiences that shaped their work.
This year’s National Teachers Awards recognise educators from different parts of the education system. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, 82 teachers and educators have been selected for the awards across three departments — including 48 school teachers, 21 teachers and faculty members from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers.
Their work reflects a broader shift in education towards innovative and practical teaching.
Some award-winning educators have developed ways of connecting lessons with real-world experiences, while others have used technology, local resources and unconventional classroom methods to make learning more engaging.
A Teacher’s Role Is Changing
The conversation also reflects how dramatically the role of teachers has expanded.
Earlier, a teacher’s primary responsibility was often viewed through the lens of teaching a syllabus and preparing students for examinations. Today, educators increasingly have to navigate technology, changing social habits, mental pressures, substance abuse risks and rapidly evolving career expectations.
That does not mean teachers replace parents or counsellors. Instead, they can become an important link between students, families and the wider support system.
A teacher who notices a problem early can potentially help a child receive the right guidance before the situation escalates.
Why the Message Matters
The Teachers’ Day interaction placed a simple idea at the centre of the discussion: education is not only about what children learn from books, but also about how they grow as individuals.
Excessive screen use, declining physical activity and exposure to drugs are challenges that cannot be addressed through schools alone. Parents, teachers and communities all have a role to play.
Modi’s message to the award-winning teachers was therefore broader than a call for better classroom performance. It was a reminder to remain connected with students beyond marks and lessons.
For educators, the task is increasingly about protecting curiosity, encouraging creativity and helping children develop healthy habits while navigating a rapidly changing world.
On Teachers’ Day, the spotlight may traditionally fall on those who teach. This year, the conversation also focused on the children they are preparing for the future.
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