PM Modi urges students to create games with storytelling rooted in Indian culture

New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said gaming is not just be a hobby but a skill, and encouraged school-going students to explore developing games involving storytelling rooted in Indian culture.

Interacting with school students during his annual 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', the prime minister said gaming can be a meaningful skill and career path if pursued with focus, balance and ethical values. He, however, warned students against games that involve online betting.

"...gaming is not just a hobby; it is a skill, it involves speed as well. So it is good for development. Try to find your expertise by choosing better quality gaming," he said.

Modi said gaming contributes to self-development and urged students to "focus on building expertise" in high-quality gaming and balance studies.

The PM cautioned against gambling in gaming, noting that laws have been enacted to prevent such practices. "Don't just waste time because the internet is cheap in India. I have made a law against betting. We will not let that happen..." To a student who asked about pursuing a future in gaming despite societal pressure to focus only on studies, the prime minister explained that parents often discourage initially, but when people achieve success, they take pride and celebrate it.

He encouraged the student to channel his interest in gaming productively by creating games based on India’s mythological stories such as the Panchatantra and to share them on social media for recognition.

"You should create your own games and launch it. Then watch your family say: 'He or she is so young and already has so many followers.' Slowly, the family will also start giving ideas - like making a game on Lord Hanuman's katha or showing how Abhimanyu finds a way out of the chakravyuh." "In India, there are so many such stories. Have you ever thought about making a game based on the Panchatantra? You could become a game creator and even open a social media page," he said. PTI GJS GJS SKY SKY