Calling the protesters “misguided children,” Modi said abusive language has no place in a civilised society but stressed that criminal cases and social ostracism would not solve the problem.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed for compassion rather than punishment for young protesters who used abusive language against him and his late mother during the recent Gen Z protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying that “abuses never solve anything” and that the nation’s responsibility is to guide those who have “lost their way.”
In a nearly three-minute video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the Prime Minister referred to the protesters as “misguided children” and said their remarks, though deeply offensive, should be met with understanding instead of vengeance.
“The country and the world have seen what happened at Jantar Mantar. Some mischievous children used extremely crude and abusive language—words that have no place in a civilised society. I was abused, and even my late mother was subjected to vile insults. It was a painful and unfortunate sight,” Modi said.
Without naming any individual, the Prime Minister acknowledged the widespread public outrage over the incident but urged people not to allow anger to dictate their response.
Abuses never solve anything.
Let’s guide the misguided.
Let’s work together.
Let’s work for Bharat. pic.twitter.com/yAePG60KYL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2026
“Mistakes happen in youth, and youth also provides the opportunity to correct those mistakes. That is the nature of growing up. I understand why society is angry. It is painful to hear such language, especially from our daughters. But this is the time to embrace these children and show them the right path,” he said.
Modi made it clear that he did not favour criminal prosecution or social ostracisation of the young protesters.
“They have lost their way, and it is our duty to guide them. Punishing them, dragging them into court cases and harassing them socially will not improve the situation. I want to forgive them, and I hope society will also accept them,” he said.
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Using a simple analogy to reinforce his message, the Prime Minister added: “Sometimes our tongue gets caught between our teeth and starts bleeding. We do not break our teeth because of that, as both the tongue and the teeth belong to us. These children are ours too.”
Calling on the youth to channel their energy towards nation-building, Modi invited them to become partners in India’s future.
“I call upon these children—come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn new things and also learn from our mistakes. Chase your dreams. India is progressing rapidly, and it is my dream that each one of you progresses with it. I live for you. I dedicate myself to your bright future. Come, let us move the nation forward together,” he said.
Sharing the video on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat.”
The appeal comes amid a series of police actions linked to the protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Earlier this week, police registered an FIR against Ruchika Singh, a 25-year-old woman, for allegedly using derogatory language against the Prime Minister during the Jantar Mantar demonstrations. The case was filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following complaints that the remarks, circulated widely on social media, insulted the dignity of a constitutional office.
The Prime Minister’s message is being viewed as a conciliatory intervention at a time when legal proceedings against several protesters and social media users have sparked a wider debate over freedom of expression, political dissent and the treatment of young demonstrators
