Assam: PM Modi interacts with students on Brahmaputra cruise

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his interaction with students during the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme on a Brahmaputra River cruise, on Sunday morning, as part of his Assam visit.

A total of 25 students from various schools across Assam are participating in the event.

Modi is expected to engage with them for around 45 minutes aboard the three-deck M V Charaidew 2, officials said.

He arrived at the Guwahati Gateway Terminal of the Inland Water Transport (IWT), recently inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and accessed the ship via the floating bridge.

Security along the river has been intensified, with River Police, NDRF, and SDRF personnel patrolling the area since early morning.

Ferry services on the Brahmaputra have been suspended for two days due to the Prime Minister’s visit.

The participating students come from districts including Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Dibrugarh, Cachar, Sribhumi, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nalbari.

They represent government, residential, and private schools such as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, PM Shri schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Assam Jatiya Bidyalay, Don Bosco institutions, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that the Prime Minister’s visit to Kaziranga last year boosted tourism, and a similar impact is expected for river tourism in Assam during this cruise.

Launched in 2018, 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' is an annual programme aimed at helping students manage exam-related stress, promoting a balanced approach to learning and mental health.

During the session, Modi interacts with students, providing advice on approaching board and entrance exams calmly and stress-free.