Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) on Friday appealed for compassion after a viral video from the recent Jantar Mantar protest sparked widespread outrage, saying the students involved should be guided rather than subjected to prolonged punishment.
In a video message shared on his social media platforms, Modi said the abusive language used against him and his late mother was unacceptable, but stressed that young people who make mistakes deserve an opportunity to reform instead of being pushed into lengthy legal proceedings.
PM Modi calls students ‘misguided children’
Referring to the controversy, the Prime Minister said the language heard in the viral clip had no place in a civilised society. He acknowledged that many people were upset by the incident, especially because of the alleged remarks made by some young protesters.
“Some mischievous children used very filthy abuses… Abuses were directed at me, and abuses were directed at my late mother as well.”
Despite the anger surrounding the episode, Modi said punishment alone would not solve the issue.
“These are misguided children, and showing them the way is our duty; we will not be able to change circumstances by punishing them, making them run around the courts, or harassing them in society.”
‘The children are also ours’
The Prime Minister urged society to respond with understanding instead of revenge. Drawing a comparison from everyday life, he said families do not reject their own members for mistakes.
“Sometimes our tongue comes under our teeth and blood comes out, but we do not break our teeth—because the teeth are ours, and the tongue is ours too. The children are also ours.”
He added that he wanted to forgive the students and encouraged others to do the same.
Invites students to contribute to nation-building
Addressing the students directly, Modi asked them to leave the controversy behind and focus on building a better future for themselves and the country.
“Children, come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn something new, let us learn even from mistakes… I live for you, I toil for your bright future, so come, let us together take the country forward.”
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Zero FIR transferred to Delhi Police
The Prime Minister’s remarks came on the same day a Zero FIR linked to the viral video was transferred to the Delhi Police.
The complaint was originally registered in Noida on July 29 before being forwarded to Delhi, as the alleged incident took place within the national capital’s jurisdiction. Police officials said they will first examine the contents of the Zero FIR before deciding on the next course of action.
FAQs:
Why did PM Modi forgive the students involved in the Jantar Mantar abuse row?
PM Modi said the students were “misguided children” who should be guided and reformed rather than punished or dragged into prolonged legal action.
What did PM Modi say about the viral Jantar Mantar abuse video?
PM Modi condemned the abusive language as unacceptable but appealed to society to forgive the students and help them learn from their mistakes.