PM Modi On Budget: 'I Have An Exam And I Am Confident'

New Delhi: "I have an exam too. 125 crore Indians are going to test me, tomorrow is the Budget," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his radio address Mann Ki Baat on Sunday that was focused on the board examinations for school students that begin on March 1.

"I am healthy and full of self-confidence. Let us hope my exams that start tomorrow and yours the day after are good. If we succeed, the country will succeed," Mr Modi said ending his 34-minute address to students. He was speaking on the importance of staying healthy and confident to deal with exam stress.

The Union budget will be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament tomorrow amid huge expectations from Mr Modi's government of fixing the economy.

The prime minister was joined by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, chess master Viswanathan Anand, scientist Professor CNR Rao and spiritual leader Murari Bapu who read out messages for students and shared tips on how to deal with exams and exam-related stress.

The cricketing legend who retired after 24 years in international cricket advised students to set their own goals rather than trying to meet other people's expectations. "When I played cricket, there were expectations from me. As time passed, the expectations increased. I found a solution by setting my own targets and always tried to achieve them," he said, emphasising on staying positive.

Mr Modi stressed on the importance of discipline, organisation and staying calm during the exams. "Don't tie yourself down to what will happen this year or in this exam. Set larger goals in life," he advised students. Parents and teachers should form a support system for students.
"We have confined exams to schools or homes. But the responses on my app show it is a much bigger subject," Mr Modi said.

Mr Anand said life is as unpredictable as chess. "Stay calm. Just like in chess, the brain recalls the right answer at the right time," he said. "Don't be over confident and don't be pessimistic either."

Speaking on anxiety that exams cause, Prof Rao said in his message to students, "Remember there are many opportunities in this country, decide what you want and work towards of it. You are a child of the universe and you have the right to be here like the trees and the mountains."

His remarks drew praise from Mr Modi. "This is how the scientific mind works. He took three minutes to say what I would have said in 30," the prime minister said. He spoke on the achievements of scientists reminding students today is also National Science Day.