Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi late on Friday released a video message on Instagram saying he wanted to forgive the young protesters who allegedly used abusive language against him during the recent demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He urged society to guide them instead of seeking punishment.
The late-night message came days after a video showing a young woman protester allegedly shouting expletives at the prime minister during protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak controversy went viral on social media, reports The Economic Times.
“Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat,” the video was captioned.
Without identifying any individual, Modi addressed the incident and said the events at Jantar Mantar had been witnessed by both the country and the wider world.
“Some mischievous youngsters hurled crude abuses. Words were used that do not befit a civilised society. I was personally abused, and even my late mother was subjected to vile insults,” he said.
Despite the remarks directed at him, the prime minister said young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and appealed for understanding rather than punishment.
Referring to the public reaction following the circulation of the viral videos, Modi said he understood why many people felt disturbed after seeing young women use such language. However, he stressed that society should help them return to the right path instead of isolating them.
“Now is the time to embrace these children and show them the right path. They have lost their way, and it is our duty to guide them. Punishing them, dragging them through court proceedings, or harassing them in society—none of this will change the situation. I wish to forgive them,” he said.
Drawing a comparison, Modi said that when a person accidentally bites their tongue, they do not break their teeth because both are parts of the same body. In the same way, he said, the young protesters should be regarded as members of the nation’s collective family.
“These children are ours, and it is our duty to show them the right path,” he said, urging them to “move the nation forward together”, learn from their mistakes and pursue their aspirations.
“The nation is advancing rapidly and is poised for great progress. My dream is to ensure that you, too, move forward and succeed. I live for you; I dedicate myself entirely to your bright future,” Modi said.
