PM Modi Expresses Forgiveness for Young Protesters Using Abusive Language

Prime Minister Narendra Modi late on Friday shared a video message on Instagram saying he wished to forgive the young protesters who used abusive language against him during the recent demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, urging society to guide rather than punish them.

The late-night video comes days after a clip of a young woman protester allegedly hurling 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.

Addressing the controversy without naming any individual, Modi said the entire country and the world had witnessed what transpired at Jantar Mantar.

"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.

The prime minister, however, said youth was a time for learning and self-correction and appealed for compassion instead of retribution.

"Mistakes happen in youth, and youth is also the time for course correction. That is the very essence of being young," he said.

Referring to the outrage over the viral videos, Modi said it was understandable that many people were disturbed to see young women using such language, but stressed that society should help them find the right path instead of ostracising 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 an analogy, the prime minister said that just as a person does not break their teeth after accidentally biting their tongue because both belong to the same body, the young protesters too should be treated as part 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 work towards their dreams.

"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.