ISRO Chairman V Narayanan urges students to move beyond 'bookworm' mentality (Image source: PTI)

Isro chief V Narayanan delivered a strong message to students, urging them to break free from the confines of a "book-only" approach.

Stressing the significance of holistic development, encompassing intellectual, emotional, and social growth, he praised Tamil Nadu's comprehensive curriculum reform aimed at shaping well-rounded, future-ready learners.

Addressing educators and experts at the Anna Centenary Library, he warned that academic brilliance by itself is no longer enough in a world that demands agility, values, and well-rounded abilities.

He emphasised that academic achievement must be paired with strong values.

"The book alone is not important. It is overall personality development that matters," the Isro chief was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Narayanan highlighted the need for respect, tolerance, and character-building alongside Mathematics, Science, and high scores.

Sharing his own experience as a former government school student, Narayanan stressed that real success depends on how one learns and grows, not on which school one attends.

He encouraged students to widen their aspirations beyond the traditional doctor-engineer mindset, noting that a developed nation requires talent in the arts, sports, sciences, and many emerging fields.

Narayanan recommended integrating future-focused subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, along with adequate teacher training, to ensure that the revamped curriculum serves students for the next decade.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi highlighted rising digital addiction among youth and announced initiatives to build awareness around excessive screen time.

As Tamil Nadu pushes forward with modern, value-driven curriculum reforms, the focus is shifting from textbooks alone to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready individuals equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.