PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for responding to recent protests with compassion, saying his reaction reflected the qualities of true leadership.
In a video message, CM Sawant said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response once again reflects the values that define true leadership. Despite being subjected to abusive and obscene language during recent protests, he chose not anger, but compassion."
He also appealed to the youth of Goa to reject abusive language, misinformation and negativity, and instead embrace constructive participation in democracy.
CM Sawant said PM Modi expressed concern for the young people involved, believing they had been misguided, and appealed to the nation to guide them with patience, empathy and understanding rather than hatred.
The remarks come after PM Modi on Friday appealed for restraint and forgiveness following abusive slogans directed at him during student protests over alleged paper leaks at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He said that "abuses never solve anything" and urged society to guide, rather than punish, those who had gone astray.
Addressing the youth of Goa, CM Sawant urged them to uphold the values of respectful dialogue and responsible citizenship. "I appeal to the youth of Goa to reject abusive language, misinformation and negativity. Let us uphold the values of respectful dialogue, responsible citizenship and constructive participation in democracy. Let us channel our energy towards innovation, nation-building and the shared vision of Viksit Goa and Viksit Bharat, rather than allowing ourselves to be diverted by divisive narratives," CM Sawant said.
