New Delhi, Sep 5: Amid growing concerns over the excessive engagement of youth in online gaming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined the need to inculcate a sense of national pride and self-reliance among students from an early age.
He urged educational institutions to balance technological exposure with value-oriented learning rooted in India’s cultural and economic ethos. In this context,
He referred to the recently passed law in Parliament regulating online gaming, aimed at protecting students and families from addictive, financially exploitative, and violent content.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister urged educators to raise awareness among students about these risks.
He proposed a series of assignments aimed at helping students and their families identify and promote the use of local products within their homes.
These exercises, he said, would foster early awareness of the importance of indigenous goods and develop a sense of responsibility towards the nation’s economy.
Modi also encouraged schools to integrate Indian-made items into art and craft classes, as well as in cultural celebrations. “Incorporating locally produced materials not only supports domestic artisans but also nurtures a lifelong appreciation for the richness of our heritage,” he noted.
Calling upon schools to initiate programmes such as ‘Swadeshi Week’ and ‘Local Product Day’, the Prime Minister suggested that students bring local products from their homes and share the stories behind them.
He emphasised the importance of discussions around the origin, craftsmanship, and national relevance of such goods to deepen students’ understanding.
“There should be active interaction between students and local artisans, highlighting the enduring value of traditional crafts and manufacturing skills passed down through generations,” Modi said.
He also suggested promoting the gifting of Indian-made items on occasions like birthdays to further reinforce pride in local products.
Such initiatives, he asserted, would instil patriotism, self-confidence, and respect for labour among the youth, thereby aligning personal aspirations with the nation’s broader developmental goals.
Expressing confidence in the teaching fraternity and congratulating the award-winning teachers for their exceptional contributions to the field of education, the Prime Minister said he believed educators would carry forward this mission of nation-building with continued dedication.
