Professor Pankaj Arora
Watching Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 in my capacity as the Chairperson of the statutory body responsible for the academic development, regulation, and monitoring of teacher education in India has been a moment of immense pride and inspiration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated his extraordinary ability to connect with students, educators, and parents alike. His insights extend far beyond examinations, offering valuable lessons on navigating the challenges of life. The program reinforced a powerful message: testing times are not hurdles but opportunities to grow, learn, and discover new strengths.
As an educator, a lifelong learner, and a parent, I deeply resonate with these messages. Having taught for many years and mentored numerous scholars and aspiring teachers, I understand the profound impact of these reflections. These ideas align seamlessly with the core values of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), and I am committed to carrying forward this vision with the same passion and dedication that Prime Minister Modi so eloquently advocates.
Since its inception in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into a nationwide movement. The overwhelming participation in the 2025 edition, highlights its growing significance. The enthusiasm among students, teachers, and parents to engage with the Prime Minister’s insights underscores the deep impact of this initiative. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety affect not just adults but also young learners, PM Modi’s emphasis on stress management—especially during examinations—was a crucial takeaway.
One of the most compelling moments of this year’s event was when the Prime Minister narrated how even small efforts by teachers can have a lasting impact on students’ lives. He fondly recalled how his teachers played a crucial role in shaping his habits, including something as simple yet significant as improving his handwriting. This anecdote resonated deeply, reminding us that teachers shape not just academic abilities but also the character and confidence of their students. Such reflections reinforce the idea that education extends beyond textbooks, embodying the values and skills that guide individuals through life.
What stood out most was the Prime Minister’s ability to reach everyone. His message is not just for students but resonates equally with parents, teachers, and policymakers. Similarly, NCTE is not merely an institution of employees; it is a collective of educators, scholars, parents, and students working together toward the common goal of strengthening teacher education in India.
One of the most significant aspects of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 was its focus on three key themes: emotional well-being, creativity, and the joy of learning. These themes are not only relevant to students but also serve as guiding principles for teacher education. As the organization responsible for shaping the future of teacher preparation in India, NCTE is committed to ensuring that the teachers we nurture embody these values and pass them on to their students.
Emotional well-being is at the heart of quality education. As the body overseeing both pre-service and in-service teacher education, NCTE places immense emphasis on fostering emotional resilience among teachers and students. Through initiatives like the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), we aim to holistically prepare educators, equipping them with socio-emotional learning competencies through an immersive four-year program. Additionally, programs such as the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) and the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) focus on strengthening the emotional well-being of in-service teachers by providing structured mentoring, counselling, and self-assessment frameworks. By ensuring that teachers are emotionally equipped, we empower them to create learning environments that prioritize student well-being.
Creativity and innovation are essential in today’s education landscape. NCTE is pioneering transformative policies that promote creativity in both curriculum and pedagogy. The introduction of ITEP with specializations in diverse fields—such as Physical Education, Yoga, Sanskrit, and the Arts—is a testament to this vision. By broadening the scope of teacher education, we align with PM Modi’s call for holistic and multidisciplinary learning. Beyond its traditional regulatory functions, NCTE is refining its academic contributions to ensure that India’s teacher education system remains dynamic, future-ready, and innovative.
Above all, education must be a joyous journey. The joy of learning is a fundamental principle that NCTE is actively promoting through structured milestones and well-designed teacher education programs. When teachers themselves experience the joy of learning, they naturally cultivate the same enthusiasm in their students. By addressing existing gaps and implementing reforms, we are working to create an education system where learning is an inspiring and fulfilling experience rather than a burden.
The insights from Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 reaffirm the role of education in shaping confident, creative, and emotionally balanced individuals. As NCTE moves forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preparing teachers who will nurture generations of motivated learners. Beyond our regulatory and monitoring responsibilities, we are expanding our academic contributions to build a teacher education system that is robust, forward-thinking, and aligned with national priorities. With collective efforts from educators, parents, and students, we move toward a future where education fosters lifelong growth, resilience, and meaningful learning experience for the dream, that is Viksit Bharat.
(The author is Chairperson, NIOS & NCTE)
