In the eighth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ held on February 10, 2025, the discussion centered on the role of technology in students’ lives. The session featured Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, and Gaurav Chaudhary, popularly known as ‘Technical Guruji’, a renowned tech influencer. The conversation, moderated by Sharat Bhattatiripad, delved into whether technology serves as a beneficial tool or a potential distraction for students.
The Dual Nature of Technology
Gaurav Chaudhary emphasized the importance of striking a balance between embracing technological advancements and staying grounded in reality. He acknowledged that while technology has undeniably made our lives more convenient, an overreliance on it can impede creativity and genuine human experiences. Chaudhary remarked, “Technology has made our lives easier. Over time, our dependency on technology has increased. I personally do not like this trend. AI is affecting our creativity. We should sideline technology at times to truly enjoy life in reality.”
Living in the Moment
Highlighting the pervasive influence of social media, Chaudhary pointed out that individuals often prioritize capturing moments over experiencing them. He shared an anecdote about people taking photos of their meals for social media, noting, “Usually, when we are eating, everyone first wants to take a picture of the food to post on social media. And I’m like, ‘The food is getting cold!’ So, I think to truly enjoy life, we should sometimes put technology aside.”
Artificial Intelligence: Assistant, Not Master
Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), Chaudhary advocated for viewing AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. He stated, “AI should be considered as an assistant that can perform tasks, but we should assign only as much work to AI as would not cause major losses. We should not give AI too much power.”
Technology as a Tool for Learning
Radhika Gupta contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. She suggested that while technology offers valuable resources for education, it should remain a tool that complements traditional learning methods. Gupta advised students to use technology judiciously, ensuring it serves their educational goals without becoming a distraction.
PM Modi’s Initiative to Engage Students
Since its inception in 2018, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ has provided a platform for Prime Minister Modi to engage directly with students, parents, and educators. The program aims to address the challenges associated with exam preparation and stress management. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant event, fostering open dialogue on various aspects of student life, including mental health and the impact of technology.
Finding the Right Balance
The insights from this session underscore the necessity for students to find a harmonious balance between leveraging technology for educational advancement and maintaining authentic, real-world interactions. By using technology as a supportive tool and not allowing it to dominate their lives, students can enhance their learning experiences while preserving creativity and personal connections.
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