New Delhi: Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone participated in the eighth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship programme, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha,’ where she engaged with students on mental health and stress management during exams, drawing from her personal experiences.
During the discussion, Deepika shared insights into her childhood, revealing her strong inclination towards sports and extracurricular activities.
“I was a very naughty child. Even today, my parents say you will never find Deepika at the ground level. I was always jumping from sofas, tables, and chairs. I was more interested in extracurricular activities,” she said.
Deepika expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising students’ mental well-being through ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha.’
When addressing students’ stress management and handling pressure from teachers and parents, she advised, “Focus on things you can control. Talk to your parents and teachers about your stress, identify its cause, and express it to someone you trust.” She also encouraged students to practice meditation and exercise to cope effectively with stress.
Deepika stressed that making mistakes is part of learning and highlighted the importance of having fun, resting, and being exposed to natural sunlight.
As part of an interactive session, she conducted an activity where students wrote their strengths on pieces of paper and displayed them on a board.
“This activity helps you realise that if you focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses, you’ll see how many things you’re good at,” she said.
Deepika played several games with the students to add a fun element to the session.
Earlier on Tuesday, she shared an Instagram video announcing her participation in Pariksha Pe Charcha. In it, she highlighted the significance of mental well-being in education and expressed excitement about the episode.
She took to social media to acknowledge PM Modi’s efforts to helping students cope with stress and pressure.
“Pariksha Pe Charcha is back with its 8th edition! This time, we’ll also discuss the importance of mental health. Thank you, Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your commitment to this cause. I look forward to launching our episode,” she wrote.
Deepika, who has been vocal about her struggle with depression, reaffirmed her dedication to mental health awareness.
“I want to thank our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for giving us this platform to express our warrior, not worrier, side. I wish all of you the very best,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the eighth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ on February 10 in Delhi, interacting with students at Sunder Nursery during the first episode. The episode featuring Deepika Padukone is set to be released on February 12.
–IANS
