Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 31, in an Instagram reel, informed that he wants to forgive the students who used abusive language against him and his late mother during the recent protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Describing them as “misguided children” who need guidance rather than punishment. In a video message shared on social media on July 31, the Prime Minister said that abusive language has no place in a civil society but stressed that young people should not be pushed into prolonged legal battles or social isolation because of mistakes made in anger.
His remarks come amid an ongoing political controversy over the CJP protests in the capital city and government’s handling of the students’ protests, with Delhi Police using videos from the protest as investigation evidence while opposition leaders continue to question the Centre’s response.
The statement has triggered fresh debate over the balance between accountability, freedom of expression and the responsibility of leaders to engage with young citizens.
Compassion To Retribution
Addressing the nation through a late-night video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that while the abusive remarks directed at him and his late mother had caused pain, responding with anger or revenge would not solve the problem.
“Abuses never solve anything,” he said, adding that children and young people can make mistakes and deserve an opportunity to correct them. Referring to those involved as “misguided children”, he said society’s responsibility is to guide them onto the right path rather than make them “run around courts” or face continued social humiliation.
He also acknowledged that many people had expressed outrage over the language used during the protest but urged them to adopt a more compassionate approach. He argued that forgiveness and mentorship would be more meaningful than punitive action, emphasising that India’s future depends on nurturing young people, even when they err.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks were also echoed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who condemned the abusive slogans and described the incident as inconsistent with India’s cultural and educational values. She called for greater civility in public discourse, saying that differences of opinion should be expressed respectfully, particularly in a democratic society.
Protests, Investigation And Reactions
The controversy stems from the nationwide student protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leak cases that culminated in demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. During one of the protests, videos circulated online showing a few participants using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother.
The clips quickly drew widespread criticism across the political spectrum and prompted the Delhi Police to begin an investigation into the incident.
In a significant development, a 15-year-old girl who appeared in one of the viral videos issued a public apology, saying she regretted her remarks and claiming she had been influenced by others present at the protest. Appearing with folded hands in a video statement, she apologised to the nation and expressed remorse for her actions.
The episode has also intensified political exchanges between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s response to the student movement, alleging that the Centre was attempting to intimidate young protesters through police action and legal proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi in his public press conferences and parliamentary speeches have repeatedly argued that students were demanding accountability on issues affecting their future and urged the government to address their concerns rather than silence dissent.
Congress leaders have similarly maintained that while abusive language cannot be defended, the larger concerns raised by students over the education system deserve meaningful attention.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Democracy is strengthened not by the absence of disagreement but by the ability to disagree with dignity. The language used during the Jantar Mantar protest crossed the boundaries of respectful public discourse, and criticism of policies or leaders should never descend into personal abuse.
At the same time, moments of conflict should encourage reflection from all sides. When young people take to the streets, it often reflects deeper anxieties that deserve to be heard alongside calls for civility. Years and years of paper leaks across examinations, cancellation of exams, alleged scams in examination process and the subsequent mental trauma of the youth would not be a peaceful one; it is bound to be distorting.
Therefore, as a democratic country that has been built upon the principles of deliberation, discussion and debate since the drafting of the constitution, it is essential to follow suit and encourage the diverse voices to be played in unison.
In here, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on forgiveness over retribution introduces an important conversation about how societies respond to mistakes made in moments of anger. Equally, governments carry the responsibility of ensuring that peaceful dissent is heard and that citizens, particularly young people, feel their voices matter in a democracy.
A healthy public sphere requires accountability from protesters, empathy from leaders and institutions that encourage dialogue instead of deepening divisions. After all, democracies flourish when criticism is met with conversation rather than hostility, and when citizens exercise both their rights and responsibilities with equal care.
What do you think is the best way to encourage respectful democratic participation while ensuring that young people feel heard and their concerns are genuinely addressed?
