New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with the winners of the National Teachers' Awards, discussing innovative teaching practices, the use of technology in classrooms and ways to build confidence among students.PM Modi met the award-winning teachers at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where he spoke with them about adapting teaching methods to changing times and making greater use of evolving technologies to meet the needs and expectations of the new generation.During the interaction, the Prime Minister asked a teacher about the methods she uses to prepare students for public speaking and help them overcome hesitation while expressing themselves.The teacher responded that confidence is essential while speaking in public, while also admitting that she felt nervous in the presence of the Prime Minister because of his "aura".

"Seeing your aura, my aura is going down, sir," the teacher replied, drawing a light-hearted response during the interaction."One should not have an aura for public speaking?" PM Modi jokingly asked. "You already have a good aura, sir," the teacher replied.Another teacher spoke about her efforts to create awareness about breast cancer among people. Referring to the issue, PM Modi recalled initiatives undertaken when he served as the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, saying that these efforts had focussed on increasing awareness about breast cancer and encouraging people to undergo regular health check-ups.The Prime Minister noted that awareness efforts can bring about meaningful changes in society when people become conscious of the importance of preventive healthcare and take the initiative to get themselves examined regularly.During the meeting, the National Teachers' Award winners shared their experiences from their teaching careers and spoke about the different approaches they have adopted to make classroom learning more engaging and interesting for students.The teachers also discussed innovative techniques they used to make lessons easier to understand and encourage greater participation among students.

They shared examples of activities and initiatives undertaken beyond their regular teaching responsibilities, including various forms of social work carried out for the benefit of their communities.Interacting with the awardees, PM Modi appreciated their dedication to the profession of teaching and praised the remarkable enthusiasm and commitment they have demonstrated over the years.The Prime Minister also acknowledged that their sustained efforts and contribution to education had been recognised through the National Teachers' Awards, which celebrate teachers who have made a significant difference to the learning experiences and lives of their students.Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers Awards on 48 school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, as the country marks Teachers' Day on September 5.The National Teachers Awards aim to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and acknowledge those educators who, through their dedication, hard work and commitment, have not only helped improve the quality of school education but have also enriched the lives of their students.

/IANS