PM Modi Shares Late-Night Video Urging Forgiveness For Children Who Abused Him & His Late Mother, Says 'The Misguided Should Be Guided'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared a late-night video message on his official Instagram account, urging people to respond with compassion rather than punishment after a group of children used abusive language against him and his late mother, Heeraben Modi, during a protest at Jantar Mantar.

Sharing the video on July 31, the Prime Minister captioned the post: "Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat."

In the video, Modi said he understood the anger prevailing in society but stressed that children who make mistakes should be guided instead of being subjected to legal action or public humiliation.

"Today I would like to talk about mistakes in childhood and how they can be rectified. This is childhood. I can understand the anger in society," he said.

Referring to the incident, the Prime Minister said it was disturbing to hear young girls using abusive language, including remarks directed at him and his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who passed away in December 2022.

"It is a cultural shock that our daughters can speak such language. But it is time to embrace these children and show them the way. They are misguided children," he said.

The Prime Minister urged society not to react with vengeance, saying punishment alone would not improve the situation.

"It is our job to show them the way. We cannot change the situation by punishing them, making them go to court, and insulting them in society. I want to forgive them. I want society to accept this," he said.

Drawing an analogy, the Prime Minister said that just as people do not break their teeth after accidentally biting their tongue, society should not reject its own children for making mistakes.

"Sometimes our tongue comes under our teeth. Blood comes out. But we don't break our teeth because our teeth are ours. Our tongue is also ours. Our children are also ours. It is our job to show them the way," he said.

Calling on the children involved to learn from the episode, Modi invited them to move forward with a positive outlook and contribute to the nation's progress.

"It is difficult to show a misguided child the way. But difficult work has to be done. Come, let us move forward together for the country. Learn something new. Learn from mistakes. Take your dreams and move forward," he said.

Concluding his message, the Prime Minister said his dream was to see every child build a bright future and participate in India's development.

"I live for you. I dream of your bright future. Come, let us move forward together for the country. Learn from mistakes. Move forward," he said.

The Background

PM Modi's message came a day after police began taking action against individuals accused of using abusive language and displaying offensive placards targeting not only the Prime Minister but also his late mother, Heeraben Modi, during the protest.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning how young protesters could use such offensive language against a sitting Prime Minister amid demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.

Several student protesters were seen shouting abusive slogans during the protest, apparently believing they would remain anonymous in the crowd. Following the incident, police identified some of those allegedly involved and registered FIRs against them, while efforts are underway to trace others.

After the police action began, several individuals who were seen making the abusive remarks posted apology videos on social media, expressing regret over their conduct.