Modi floors young and old

Children in many schools here heard with rapt attention Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech, followed by a lively interaction with students from different parts of India.

The Association of Progressive Schools of Agra (ASPA), with 49 schools, arranged the special screening of Modi's telecast.

Association secretary and Prelude Public School owner Sushil Gupta told IANS: "Children were were excited and happy. When we asked them for their reactions, many said 'bijli, paani' (power, water) have to be saved."

Since the speech was in Hindi, the message went far. Government schools made elaborate preparations for the telecast.

"They could understand the simple things, ordinary issues and take those home," said school teacher Sonal Singh.

Students were sent home early so they could return at about 2.30 p.m., said a teacher of St. Conrad's School.

Sonal of class 9, said: "All of us heard him patiently. The question and answer session was lively. The prime minister was in a very friendly mood and immediately connected with the students."

Even teachers who were earlier skeptical about the programme, said they were impressed with the speech and Modi's stress on simple but vital issues like environmental conservation, sweating it out four times a day, reading books, saving water and power, went down well.