National, August 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 31 said he was deeply hurt that abusive and offensive remarks were directed not only at him but also at his late mother during the recent protests at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. However, he appealed to society to forgive young people who may have been “misguided” and help them find the right path instead of condemning them.
In a late-night video message shared on Instagram, Modi said he understood the anger prevailing in society but believed the appropriate response was to guide young people, help them learn from their mistakes and encourage them to contribute positively to the nation’s future.
Referring to the demonstrations, the Prime Minister said some protesters had used offensive language against him and his late mother. “Abuses never solve anything. Let us guide those who have been misguided,” he said, adding that he wished to forgive those responsible because “they are our children” and it was society’s duty to show them the correct path.
Modi described it as a “cultural shock” to hear young women using abusive language but stressed that mistakes made during youth should be met with understanding rather than rejection. Drawing an analogy, he said people do not disown their teeth when they accidentally bite the tongue because both belong to the same body. Likewise, he said, the country’s youth should not be abandoned for their mistakes.
He urged young people to acknowledge their errors, learn from them and move forward with the nation’s progress. The Prime Minister said the government remained committed to creating a brighter future for the youth and believed guidance, not punishment, was the best way to address such situations.
“The children are ours, and it is our responsibility to show them the correct path,” Modi said, adding that taking young people to court or publicly shaming them would not resolve the issue. He encouraged them to acquire new skills, work for the country and use their experiences as lessons for the future.
The protest at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and continued for 36 days. It ended on July 25 after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the government’s acceptance of the protesters’ demands. The agitation drew thousands of students and was supported by several opposition parties. A march towards Parliament on July 20 ended in clashes after police used lathicharge and tear gas to disperse protesters.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera criticised the statement in a post on X, saying, “The country is asking him to apologise, yet he has forgiven the country.”
