Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh opened up about his childhood and the role his parents played in shaping his personality during an interaction with students at ZP High School in Chandrapalem, Visakhapatnam. The interaction took a personal turn when a student asked Lokesh what his father would do whenever he received low marks in school. Rather than focusing only on his father's response, Lokesh used the question to explain how his mother had been the primary influence during his formative years and credited her for helping him become the person he is today.

Lokesh explained that his father was deeply involved in politics during his childhood and spent much of his time travelling for political work. He recalled that his father's demanding schedule meant they had limited opportunities to spend time together. According to Lokesh, his father would sometimes return home at around 11.30 pm or midnight after completing his political engagements. Despite arriving late, he would have to wake up early the following morning and leave home again around 5.30 am or 6 am for his work.

Describing the routine, Lokesh said his father would often return after he had already gone to sleep and leave before he woke up. As a result, his mother took on much of the responsibility for raising him and overseeing his day-to-day life. Lokesh said that whatever position he has reached today is largely because of the values and discipline his mother instilled in him. He highlighted her contribution not only in bringing him up but also in guiding him through his childhood and helping shape his approach towards education and responsibilities.

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Lokesh then recalled how strictly his mother dealt with his academic performance. He said that if he received low marks, she would punish him and would not show any leniency. His recollection suggested that academic performance was taken seriously at home, with his mother ensuring that he understood the importance of putting in effort and maintaining discipline. The experience, Lokesh indicated, became an important part of his childhood and contributed to the habits and values that stayed with him as he grew older.

The education minister's comments offered students a glimpse into a more personal side of his life away from his political responsibilities. Instead of presenting his childhood as one shaped entirely by his father's political career, Lokesh emphasised the significant role his mother played behind the scenes. His account also highlighted how parents can influence children in different ways, with his father's demanding political schedule limiting his availability while his mother remained closely involved in his upbringing, education and discipline.

Lokesh's interaction with the students was therefore not limited to his experiences as a political leader or education minister. His response to the student's question became an opportunity to speak about family, discipline and the values that influenced him while growing up. By recalling his mother's strict reaction to low marks and her role in raising him, Lokesh portrayed those experiences as important lessons from his childhood. He also used the occasion to acknowledge his mother's contribution to his journey and the influence she had on his character and achievements.

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