WATCH | Sikkim teacher’s ‘aura’ remark leaves PM Modi amused in light-hearted exchange

A light-hearted exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sikkim’s National Teachers’ Award 2026 winner Sushma Tamang turned into a memorable moment when a conversation about public speaking took an unexpected turn towards the Prime Minister’s “aura”.

Tamang, a Chemistry teacher at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Dikling, was interacting with Modi ahead of the National Teachers’ Award ceremony in New Delhi.

While speaking about her work, Tamang said teaching for her went beyond classroom lessons. Apart from Chemistry, she mentors students in environmental education, confidence-building and public speaking, helping them prepare to participate at state, national and international platforms.

Modi then turned the conversation into an impromptu public-speaking lesson.

“If I am your student and I want to become a good orator, give me some tips. What should I do?” he asked.

Tamang replied that confidence was the first requirement.

Modi followed up by asking how confidence could be developed. Tamang said extensive practice was essential, but then admitted that she herself had become nervous while speaking to the Prime Minister.

“Sorry, Sir. Seeing your aura, I became a little doubtful,” she said.

Her candid remark prompted Modi to respond with a joke, asking whether it meant a person aspiring to become a good public speaker should not have an “aura”.

Tamang quickly clarified that an aura was certainly important and added that the Prime Minister already possessed one.

Modi continued the banter, saying that if a speaker had such an aura, people might stop listening to the speech and simply keep looking at the speaker.

“People will keep looking at you anyway,” Tamang replied.

The exchange brought a spontaneous and humorous touch to the interaction, which had begun as a discussion on teaching, confidence and communication skills.

Beyond the lighter moment, Tamang highlighted her efforts to help students develop skills that extend beyond academics. She said her mentoring focuses on building confidence, communication abilities and environmental awareness, while encouraging students to participate in wider forums.

Her approach reflects an emphasis on preparing students not only with academic knowledge but also with the confidence and communication skills needed to represent themselves on larger platforms.

Tamang’s selection for the National Teachers’ Award 2026 has brought national recognition to her contribution as an educator and marked a proud moment for Sikkim.

Her interaction with Modi added another memorable chapter to the occasion, with a discussion on confidence and public speaking ending in an exchange over the Prime Minister’s “aura”.