'Step beyond books to connect with children': PM Modi's message on Teachers' Day

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged teachers to “step beyond textbooks” to ensure that children do not lose out on their childhood.The prime minister's message came during his interaction with recipients of the National Teachers’ Awards at his residence on Friday, a day ahead of Teachers’ Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of former President and renowned educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan."We need to step outside of books and the syllabus much more than before and get into the lives of children. Childhood shouldn't be allowed to die. And the biggest task of keeping childhood alive can be done by a teacher. It's the teacher's job to ensure the child within remains," he said.To drive home his point, PM Modi cited growing screen addiction among children, particularly their increasing dependence on video games.