New Delhi (India), February 12: During the eighth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ programme on Wednesday, actress Deepika Padukone shared valuable tips with students on handling exam stress, offering insights from her personal experience with anxiety and depression. The interaction aimed to provide students with guidance on navigating the pressures of exams while promoting mental well-being.
Having founded the LiveLoveLaugh (LLL) foundation in 2015 to create awareness about mental health and reduce stigma, Deepika is a strong advocate for mental health. During the program, she discussed strategies to tackle stress, such as focusing on controllable aspects like preparation and communication.
“Focus on the things you can control like, ‘Am I prepared or not?’ That’s in my control. Feeling stressed the night before? Talk to your parents, talk to your teachers, and express it to someone you trust. Meditation and exercise are also in my control,” she advised.
Deepika also reflected on her childhood, revealing her enthusiasm for extracurricular activities and sports during school. “I was a very naughty child, always excited for fashion, dance, and sports day. I’m fortunate that my parents didn’t pressurize me for good marks. Parents should recognize their child’s potential,” she said.
Sharing her success mantra, Deepika encouraged students to focus on clarity and conviction in their goals. “Clarity on what you want to do in life and conviction that you can do it. Will you fail along the way? Will you make mistakes? 100%, but it’s important to have fun along the way,” she emphasized.
Promoting mental health, she highlighted key habits for a stress-free life, including adequate sleep, exposure to sunlight, and reaching out for help when needed. “Sleep is a superpower available free of cost, and it’s vital for good mental health. Getting fresh air and daylight can really help too,” said Deepika.
Acknowledging that stress is a natural part of life, Deepika addressed students directly, stressing the importance of handling it with patience and resilience. “Being stressed is natural; how we handle it is key. Having patience with exams and results is important. Do what you can — sleep well, hydrate, exercise, and meditate.”
Deepika also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for inviting her to participate in the programme.
The episode was broadcast across various platforms, including on the Prime Minister’s X profile and YouTube Channel. Since 2018, PM Modi has been hosting ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ annually to provide advice to students, teachers, and parents on managing exam stress.
The event, organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, has evolved over the years, with editions held in various formats — from town halls to online programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.