It was Anaswara P Lal's mother, Sunitha, who first got the news that her daughter has been selected to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the popular annual examination guidance programme 'Pariksha Pe Charcha'. This year's event coinciding with the onset of the exam season in the country will be held in New Delhi on January 27.
“I was in shock. I knew that she writes poetry and essays. But never in my furthest dream did I think that it would end up in her meeting the PM,” says Sunitha as she comes to terms with the surprise news.
She even went to Anaswara's school for confirmation as soon as she heard about it from the General Education Department.
“I had to see the official mail inviting Anaswara to Delhi to make myself believe,” Sunitha explains.
Anaswara is a Class-11 student of the Government Higher Secondary School, Chathamattam in Ernakulam dist.
“I was as surprised as my mother. Now, I am excited for the trip and to see PM Modi and Delhi,” says Anaswara without concealing her excitement.
“I have framed a question to ask him. If I get a chance I want to know if the government will come up with tuition and entrance coaching for students from the economically weaker sections of society,” she says.
At Pariksha Pe Charcha, which commenced in 2018, PM Modi engages with students from across the country who will be taking the upcoming board exams. He will also respond to questions from students on exam stress and other topics.
Selected students attend the programme along with their parents and teachers. The goal is to create a stress-free atmosphere for youngsters, states the Pariksha Pe Charcha website.
Anaswara leaves for Delhi on January 23. “This is my first visit to Delhi. I have bought a new sweater and packed my bag. I am all set to go. I will be accompanied by another student, Astami R Shibu. Only two of us have been selected from the state,” she says.
How the teen landed the rare opportunity
Anaswara got the rare opportunity after one of her teachers from her previous school, St Xavier's Public School at Pothanicad, asked her to join for a quiz on the website, www.mygov.com. “I attended it and started to get regular notifications on quizzes and essay competitions on the website. And it was one of those essays that got me this chance,” she reveals.
At Delhi, she has a lot to do. “It is a packed schedule. I am informed that all the selected students will get to see the Republic Day parade. There will also be an essay competition there. The winners will get special kits. We will also meet PM Modi and interact with him. There will also be a flag-off ceremony and a dress rehearsal for the same. The organisers have also arranged a tour of the city. I will be there for a week,” Anaswara explains.
Anaswara's father Lalu PR is a carpenter and her mother is a homemaker. “I have a younger sister who is an Upper Kindergarten student. I dream to join the Navy when I grow up. I am planning to appear for the NDA exam after school,” she concludes.