Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at critics, claiming that his administration was mocked for having "average" talent, but that India is now shining in the world as a beacon of hope in the post-pandemic era.
During his interaction with students, teachers and parents in the sixth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ at Talkatora Stadium, PM Modi said it is his “firm conviction” and “article of faith” that criticism is a purification exercise for a robust democracy.
The Prime Minister was responding to questions by students Mannat Bajwa (Chandigarh) and Astami Sen Rangit Nagar (South Sikkim) on how he deals with criticism. “Criticism is a nutrient that makes us strong. But you don’t need to take those levelling allegations seriously,” he said.
When asked how she could concentrate on her studies as an average student by Jovita Patra of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (Gurgaon), the PM responded, "Two to three years ago, people used to write that this government doesn't have an economist and the PM has no grasp of economics. But despite being regarded as mediocre, this country is now a shining example for other countries. Therefore, don't worry if you are not exceptional. Simply find something amazing in even the most regular people.
The PM responded in a lighthearted manner that such questions are "out of syllabus" when another student questioned him on how he views the opposition's criticism and accusations as a benefit and an opportunity. He informed them that the majority of successful people in the world were previously ordinary. He claimed that one does not have to be a "tees maar khan," a term for a person who has a very high opinion of himself that is frequently used in jest in Hindi. He continued that many people who consider themselves "tees mar khan" are actually below average.
