Prime Minister Modi knows his audience well. He crafts his story with simplicity and delivers them with Gandhi-like sincerity. His unique style brings a new dynamism
We have had a surge of sentiments this past few days in the aftermath of the Uri attack, in which 19 Indian soldiers were martyred. Terrorists from Pakistan had infiltrated our territory and unleashed violence in an Army camp. This had naturally stirred rage across the country. Everyone asked for strong reprisal. People from across the nation used the social media and other platforms to air intense urge for the nation to launch a virulent offensive on Pakistan. A section of political class wanted similar retribution. Many believed and hoped that at Kozhikode, during the BJP’s national meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would spell out a stern message and strategic outline to contain Pakistan, including a possible military attack.
One of the finest communicators of our times, and among the best ever, Modi delivered an effective speech, but laced it carefully with crafted restraint. Even as the Prime Minister gave a stern warning to Pakistan, and vowed that sacrifices of the soldiers would not go in vain, he brought an unexpected twist to his tale. He spoke of a war, but of a different kind. He asked Pakistan to join India in waging a war against poverty, illiteracy, ignorance and apathy, thereby reminding Pakistan, how it was full of internal contradictions which was making it hollow. Mocking at Pakistan, Modi said that while India exported software across the globe, its neighbour was relentless in its export of terror to the outside world, and how this would turn into a nemesis of their own. Modi concluded his speech by exhorting the people to think progressively: “let's pledge to build an India which is free of poverty, injustice, corruption, filth, unemployment and despair.”
That Modi is a fine communicator is beyond doubt and listening to him is always a delight. One distinctiveness of the Prime Minister's style is that he speaks a language which is easy to relate with. In fact, Modi’s style reminds me of what Irish poet WB Yeats said, “Think like a wise man, but communicate in the language of the people.” Other than speaking a common language, Modi also inspires and encourages people to act. A fine example of this is the way awareness on cleanliness has spawned and innumerable noble initiatives like ‘Swachch Bharat’ mission has triggered across the country.
While examples abound of the many fine speeches by the Prime Minister, I am inclined to revisit his speech delivered on Teachers Day in 2014. The simplicity and efficacy of Modi’s conversation with young students that day was inspiring. To me, it established Modi as a master communicator who knows his audience well, crafts his story with intense simplicity and delivers with Gandhi-like sincerity. Talking to a bunch of students, Modi effectively reiterated some of our basic values that may be on the verge of extinction. Respect for nature and bonding with it, spirit of physical fitness, mental and physical agility, energy conservation, respect for cleanliness and essence of wit in life were some of the key messages that Modi delivered swiftly.
Pointing to over-zealous parents who are adamant on their children getting into a particular profession, Modi said, “Instead of dreaming big, think of accomplishing a task. There’s a lot of happiness in it.” To many, used to the grandeur of mundane ceremonial talks by big leaders, this could have been construed as an inexplicable exhortation by the him. However, to me, it was a master-stroke, given the lethargy that plague many today.
In that speech, Modi said that children could contribute towards nation-building by doing simple things such as striving for cleanliness and help conserve electricity and water. He urged the students to play hard, besides studying. He said, “Students must enjoy, and not let the child in them die.” While referring to his Japan visit, Modi highlighted how the teachers and students there together strived to keep their schools clean — this is a part of their character building. “Can we not make it a part of our national character buildingIJ” asked the Prime Minister. Modi also emphasised on discipline, technology and scientific temperament in Japan’s education system and how we could learn from it.
To a question from a student from Assam on climate change and environment, Modi said, “How many of you have seen a sunrise and a sunsetIJ You have to learn to live with nature.” For a country starved of fine political discourse and oratory in much of the first decade of 21st Century, Modi's style and content has infused a new dynamism.
(The writer is a strategic communications professional)