Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister had a one-to-one discussion with school students at the 2025 ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’. This year the program was held outside in Delhi’s picturesque Sunder Nursery. It offered school students and the PM a chance to interact in a lively setting. The talks focused on minimizing exam stress. He promoted mental well-being.
PM Modi talked about the need to know what, when, why, and how to eat to succeed in school and real life. Modi offered Til Ke Ladoo (sesame and jaggery sweets) before the conversation, noting that sesame seeds contain neuroprotective compounds that improve memory and concentration.
He stressed the importance of mindful eating, connecting eating habits to sleep, focus, and brain health while they meditated and basked in the sun to the sounds of singing birds.
PM Modi’s ‘Better Focus’ Advice
PM Modi emphasized that the right type of food can enhance brain activity. He made the students aware of the goodness of sesame, millet, and seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, which contain antioxidants to promote cognitive well-being. Studies confirm that sesame helps prevent cognitive decline, while magnesium and calcium in these seeds aid in stress management.
Modi gave an example which scientists also supported with evidence published in Science Direct, that the reason behind motivating to eat particular foods not only enhances physiological health but also mental health.
PM Modi cautioned students against eating junk food, oily dishes, and maida-based products. Research, including a 2024 study by Maryam Khazdouz, reveals that processed and fried foods raise the risk of attention deficit disorders and impede cognitive performance.