'It Is Difficult to Guide a Misguided Child, but Difficult Work Must Be Done': PM Modi's Message to CJP Protestors in New Selfie Video

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday posted a fresh selfie-style video on social media, responding to the debate surrounding the CJP protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In his statement, the Prime Minister stated that he had chosen to forgive the young protestors who allegedly used foul language against him during the protest, and urged society to guide them rather than punish them.   

Sharing the video, PM Modi wrote, “Abuses never solve anything. Let's guide the misguided. Let's work together. Let's work for Bharat."

Beginning his message, the Prime Minister referred to the Jantar Mantar protest, saying the incident had deeply hurt him, particularly because abusive remarks were directed not only at him but also at his late mother. "What happened at Jantar Mantar, the nation and the world watched. Children from across the country used extremely abusive language. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother. It was deeply disturbing."

Despite that, the Prime Minister said he did not believe anger or punishment was the answer. Recalling his own childhood, PM Modi said everyone makes mistakes while growing up and deserves an opportunity to learn from them. “Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes. I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision.”

He acknowledged that many people were upset by what happened at Jantar Mantar and said he understood those emotions. “I can understand the anger in society. I can understand it very well. It is a cultural concern. How can our daughters speak such a language?”

But, he added, the focus should now shift from outrage to reform. “It is time to embrace these children and show them the way. They are misguided children. It is our job to show them the way.” 

The Prime Minister also argued that legal action or public shaming alone would not solve the problem. "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."

Using a simple analogy, PM Modi explained why he believes forgiveness is important. “Sometimes, our tongue comes under our teeth. Blood comes out. But we don't break our teeth, because our teeth are also ours. Our tongue is also ours. Our children are also ours.”

He said guiding young people is not always easy, but it remains society's responsibility. “It is difficult to guide a misguided child, but difficult work must be done.”

Ending his message on a hopeful note, the Prime Minister invited the protesters to move forward, learn from their mistakes and contribute to the country's future.

“Come. Let us move forward together for the country. Learn something new. Learn from your mistakes. Pursue your dreams and move forward. The country is moving forward. It will continue to move forward. And it is my dream that you also move forward. I live for you. I work for your bright future.”

Zero FIR Registered Over Alleged Abusive Remarks at Jantar Mantar Protest

The Prime Minister's video message came as judicial proceedings regarding the Jantar Mantar protest continue. A Zero FIR has been filed against a woman from Noida over charges that she made abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the NEET paper leak protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The complaint, filed by a Ghaziabad resident, alleges that the accused used "abusive and objectionable" language against the Prime Minister, stating that the remarks were intended to cause public commotion and disrupt communal peace.

According to the complaint, police filed a case under Sections 352 (intentional insult to cause breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducive to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case has subsequently been transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station, which is currently conducting the investigation.