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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had forgiven the youngsters who allegedly abused him and his late mother during the Jantar Mantar protests, urging society to guide them instead of subjecting them to punishment, court proceedings or social harassment.

In a video posted on Instagram, PM Modi said the country and the world had witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar, where some youngsters used language that had no place in a civilised society.

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“Not only was I abused, but my late mother was also subjected to abuse. The language used was deeply offensive,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the public anger over the incident, he said it had caused a “cultural shock” because young women had allegedly used such language. However, he maintained that young people make mistakes and must be given an opportunity to learn and reform.

“This is the time to embrace these children and show them the right path. They have been misled, and guiding them is our responsibility,” he said.

The prime minister said punishing the youngsters, making them face repeated court proceedings or allowing them to be harassed by society would not improve the situation.

“I want to forgive them. Society should also accept my appeal,” Modi said.

Using an analogy, the Prime Minister said the tongue sometimes gets caught between the teeth and begins to bleed, but people do not break their teeth because both belong to them.

“In the same way, these children are also our own. It is our responsibility to guide them. Showing the right path to those who have been misled is difficult, but we must undertake this difficult task,” he said.

Modi invited the youngsters to learn from their mistakes and work with him for the country’s progress.

“Come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn something new, learn from our mistakes and pursue our dreams,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that he dedicated himself to securing a brighter future for the country’s youth and urged them to leave their mistakes behind and move ahead.