NEW DELHI, Sep 2: Students from across the country will get to listen to both the Prime Minister and the President back-to-back giving a pep talk on the eve of Teacher’s Day, in what is being described as a first of its kind initiative by the Government.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be interacting with the students from 10 am to 11.45 am at the Manekshaw auditorium, President Pranab Mukherjee would be teaching the pupils of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya and interacting with teachers inside the President’ Estate.
Both the events would be broadcast live by Doordarshan and All India Radio.
However, much of the attention would remain on PM’s engagement with students, with the HRD Ministry asking all states to make “necessary arrangements so that children can view live address on TV”.
The Delhi Government has asked all schools to ensure that the children view the live telecast of PM’s address from 9.45 am to 11.45 am. “After the PM’s address, children will remain seated and watch the President’s class with students of Government schools starting at 11.45 am,” its circular said.
Separately, CBSE has asked all affiliated schools to make necessary arrangements so that “children may get an opportunity to learn from the Prime Minister’s interaction”.
The PM will interact with children from across the country through satellite link. Live web streaming of PM’s address would be available on PMO’s website as well as the YouTube channel of the HRD Ministry.
Last year, the PM’s interaction had triggered a controversy as students had to stay back after school hours to listen to him — the interaction starting at 3.30 pm.
The events are being held on September 4 as September 5 — Teachers’ Day — is a school holiday and the country would also be celebrating Janamashtmi.
“The programmes have therefore been scheduled a day ahead,” officials in the HRD Ministry said.
While nine crore students had participated in the interaction last year, the attempt is to scale up the numbers significantly this time, the officials said, adding that states have been asked to ensure both public and private school students listen to the Prime Minister.
In its circular, the Delhi Government has said that the timing of serving mid-day meal in single shift and morning shift Government schools would be scheduled from 9.15 am to 9.45 am in view of the President and PM’s interactions.
“All heads of schools must ensure that proper safety arrangement and discipline is maintained in schools during the telecast of the programme,” it said.
Besides, all heads of schools shall submit the details of the number of students viewing the programmes on the online module, the circular said.
On the eve of Teacher’s Day, Modi would also be interacting with national award-winning teachers at his Race Course residence, who will be felicitated by the President the next day. (PTI)
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