During the annual Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students on the importance of balancing studies and gaming, emphasizing that gaming can be a valuable skill if approached with focus, ethical values, and a sense of purpose. He cautioned against games involving online betting, highlighting the potential for harm and likening it to gambling.

Modi acknowledged the concerns of parents and educators regarding excessive gaming and its potential distractions. However, he also positioned gaming as more than just a hobby, recognizing its potential to cultivate skills such as speed, alertness, decision-making, and creativity. He encouraged students to explore "high-quality gaming" to develop expertise while maintaining a balance with their studies.

The Prime Minister stressed that skills and education are interconnected, comparing them to "twin siblings". He differentiated between life skills and professional skills, asserting that both are essential for growth. He advised students to avoid being overly focused on one aspect, as balance is crucial for overall development.

Modi shared insights on how to approach the pursuit of gaming, advising students to channel their creativity into game creation, possibly drawing inspiration from Indian stories like the Panchatantra or tales from Hindu mythology. He also suggested using social media to gather feedback and improve their creations. He also added that success in gaming can shift parental perceptions and even turn them into collaborators.

Furthermore, Modi promoted collaborative learning as a practical method for improvement, suggesting that students assist classmates who are struggling while also learning from those who excel. He highlighted the "double benefit" of this approach, which includes enhanced clarity and the generation of new ideas.

Drawing from his own experiences, Modi emphasized that everyone has a unique style of functioning and encouraged students to identify what works best for them. He also urged them to set achievable yet challenging goals and to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Modi underscored the importance of practice in transforming knowledge into capability, stating that "books impart knowledge, but only practice makes you professionally skilled".