Narendra Modi says "Is the aura necessary" about charisma in public speaking

During a meeting at his official residence on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with 86 educators selected for the National Teachers’ Awards and urged them to broaden their responsibilities beyond pure academics to include vigilance against student drug use, curbing excessive screen exposure, and safeguarding children’s natural curiosity. Teachers described classroom innovations, including one who trains pupils in public speaking and another who teaches interview techniques. When the public‑speaking instructor joked about needing confidence before the Prime Minister’s presence, Modi responded with a light‑hearted remark questioning whether charisma is essential for effective speaking. He also asked teachers to involve parents in monitoring screen habits, promote physical activity, and reinforce values such as dignity of work and real‑world skills in line with the National Education Policy.