Despite the controversy that erupted around the method adopted to ensure student participation in schools for his address on Teachers’ Day, the atmosphere at Manekshaw Centre here was anything but negative when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took centre-stage on Friday.

In his address, Modi underlined the importance of a teacher in society.

To a question from a student from Imphal, Manipur, on how he (the student) could become the Prime Minister, Modi, speaking in a lighter vein, said: “Start preparing for the 2024 elections ... and it also means till then I do not have any threat.

“India is a democracy and anybody can become the prime minister.

“Yes, when you are taking oath as the prime minister, do call me for the ceremony.”

His interaction with students from other locations took place through video-conferencing.

Study, play, act The Prime Minister spoke on a range of issues, encouraging students to save electricity, participate in sports activities, keep schools clean and read books outside their curriculum.

He also asked teachers to master technology in the effort to move towards a ‘Digital India’.

He said that a discussion was important on why India, a young country, cannot produce great teachers and export them worldwide. Nation building needs to be integrated in the education system, Modi said.

Breaking protocol, Modi, after the question and answer session with the students, also walked up to them and chatted.

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