New Delhi: Recalling how she fought the stereotypes while making a mark in the male-dominated bastion to bring glory to the nation, Mary Kom—the boxing champion—said she felt like quitting many times and had faced several challenges. As she revealed this during the sixth episode of Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi’s flagship initiative, Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 that saw motivational lessons from sports personalities for students, Kom turned emotional. Kom was joined by Avni Lekhara and Suhas Yathiraj. The session highlighted how dedication, hard work, and the right attitude can make students overcome fear of exams and become successful.
Our sportspersons inspire us with their resilience, focus and winning mindset. Watch @MangteC, @suhas_ly and @AvaniLekhara share tips on handling exam pressure during Pariksha Pe Charcha. #PPC2025 https://t.co/NqSgEvxXwu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025
Mary Kom told the students about how to be dedicated and work on things that can assist them in achieving success, especially during exam time. “In the beginning, it was very difficult because boxing is not considered a women’s sport. It was challenging for me. I just wanted to prove myself in front of all the girls and women of the country, and in this way, I have brought glory to the country by becoming World Champion multiple times,” she said, adding ‘be your own anchor.’ She also revealed how she was discouraged in the initial days and urged students to be mentally strong.
‘If you want to shine like a sun, be ready to burn like a sun…’
IAS officer and Paralympian, Suhas Yathiraj, said ‘your mind is your greatest friend as well your enemy.’ He recalled how he didn’t get admission to an English medium school for three times since he came from a village and Kannada medium. But he didn’t give up. He also spoke about one of his matches when he was nervous in the first half but gathered strength during the drinks break by overcoming the fear of losing. That’s how he made a comeback in the match and went on to win three more matches during that tour. He also told students that if you want to shine like a sun, you have to be ready to burn like a sun. Suhas also demonstrated a music therapy to tackle stress during exams.
Two-time Paralympic champion shooter Avani added, “We fear things that we don’t have knowledge about. I started gaining knowledge and improving myself, and in this way, my fear gradually decreased.”
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 features seven insightful episodes, bringing together renowned personalities from diverse fields to guide students on essential aspects of life and learning. “Our sportspersons inspire us with their resilience, focus and winning mindset. Watch @MangteC, @suhas_ly and @AvaniLekhara share tips on handling exam pressure during Pariksha Pe Charcha,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X as he shared the link of the PPC episode.
