PM asks Gen Z to read more
Stepping up his efforts to reach out to Gen Z in the aftermath of the Jantar Mantar protests last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned the youth on Wednesday that in the era of reels, social media influencers could take them down certain paths, but a “shortcut will cut you short.”
“This is the era of reels. Social media influencers often pull you in and take you down certain paths. In this age of shortcuts, let us remember a message often displayed at railway stations: A shortcut will cut you short. This is written because some people have a habit of jumping onto the tracks instead of using the railway bridge. However, if there is a shortcut you should take to get ahead in life, it is to read the autobiography of someone you admire,” he said.
He also appealed to them to read autobiographies as they offer an opportunity to understand a particular period through the life of someone who experienced it.
In recent weeks, PM Modi himself has posted reels more frequently, addressing young people. Last month, after the NEET protests, the PM had also asked his ministerial colleagues to actively use Instagram and post reels to connect with young people.
The PM was speaking at the launch of former president Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles. PM Modi said Kovind’s life showed how determination could help a person overcome adversity and rise to the highest constitutional office.
Highlighting Kovind’s continuing public engagement, PM Modi said the former president had not rested after demitting office and was working on the “One Nation, One Election” initiative, which could “open a new chapter in Indian democracy”. Kovind’s efforts on the issue were part of his continued contribution to strengthening Indian democracy.
The PM said Kovind’s autobiography would become a “heritage for Indian democracy” and the new generation has much to learn from it.
“We need many more young people who would be like Kovind in future; people who are not defeated by circumstances, but possess the determination to overcome every challenge. They will pave the way for a self-reliant India, and this autobiography will serve as a source of inspiration for the youth,” Modi said.
He said the title of the book was apt because while Kovind’s life and struggles were personal, “the victories of those struggles belong to the Indian democracy”.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who was present at the book launch, described Kovind as a “living sketch” of determination and lauded him for strengthening India’s diplomatic relations.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and several Union ministers attended the event.
