I want to forgive those who abused me: PM Modi on students' Jantar Mantar protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared a new video message on Instagram, saying he had forgiven the students who allegedly abused him during a recent protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and urging society to guide them instead of seeking punishment.

In the video, Modi said the abusive slogans used against him and his late mother were deeply disturbing, but stressed that young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

"What happened at Jantar Mantar... children from across the country used extremely abusive language. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother. It was deeply disturbing," he said.

We said in an analysis on July 30 how Gen Z had crossed the line, but that was because of a mind virus.

The Prime Minister, however, said punishment or prolonged legal action would not help.

"Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes," he said.

Modi appealed to society to accept his decision to forgive



those who abused him.

"I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision," he said.

Using a metaphor, the Prime Minister said, "Sometimes we accidentally bite our tongue with our own teeth, and it bleeds. But we do not break our teeth, because both the teeth and the tongue are our own."

He urged people to embrace the students rather than ostracise them.

Addressing the students directly, Modi invited them to move forward with the country.

"Come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn from our mistakes and pursue our dreams. India is progressing rapidly, and I want each one of you to progress as well," he said.

The video concluded with the message: "Abuses never solve anything. Let's guide the misguided. Let's work together. Let's work for Bharat."

"They were misguided, and it is our responsibility to guide them. Punishing them, dragging them through courts, or subjecting them to social harassment will not change anything," he said.