PM Modi Speaks on Youth from Red Fort, Faces Criticism Over Comments
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech from the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
In his speech, Modi spoke about the country's youth. However, he did not mention recent controversies over exams and government job recruitment.
Many young people in India have faced problems this year with important exams and hiring processes for government jobs.
Critics say it was strange that Modi spoke about youth but avoided these issues completely during his address to the nation.
Separately, Modi's speech caused a stir because he used the phrase 'dimagi Naxal', meaning 'Naxal in the mind'. Naxals are armed rebel groups active in parts of India.
The opposition reacted strongly to this remark. They said it was an unfair way to describe people who disagree with the government.
One opposition leader said Modi deserved a 'master abuser' degree, suggesting he is skilled at insulting his critics.
This comment led to a heated political controversy after the speech.
Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort are an important yearly tradition in India. Prime Ministers usually talk about the country's achievements and future plans.
This year, many people expected Modi to address the concerns of young job-seekers directly. Instead, the speech focused on other national topics.
The opposition has used this moment to criticise the government's record on employment and education issues.
Vocabulary10 words
- Prime Minister
- the top leader of a country's government
- Red Fort
- a large historic building in Delhi where Independence Day speeches happen
- recruitment
- the process of choosing people for jobs
- nation
- a country and all its people
- Naxal
- a member of an armed rebel group in parts of India
- opposition
- political parties that do not agree with the government
- degree
- an official certificate showing you finished a course of study
- controversy
- a strong public disagreement about something
- employment
- having a paid job
- critic
- a person who points out problems
Quiz
Answer key
1. Youth 2. His phrase 'dimagi Naxal' 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a _____ from the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
In his speech, Modi spoke about the country's youth. However, he did not mention recent controversies over exams and government job _____.
Many young people in India have faced problems this year with important exams and _____ processes for government jobs.
Critics say it was strange that Modi spoke about youth but avoided these issues completely during his address to the _____.
Modi's speech caused a stir because he used the phrase 'dimagi Naxal', meaning 'Naxal in the mind'. _____ are armed rebel groups active in parts of India.
The _____ reacted strongly to this remark, saying it was unfair.
One opposition leader said Modi deserved a 'master abuser' _____.
This comment led to a heated political _____ after the speech.
This year, many people expected Modi to address the concerns of young job-seekers, but the speech focused on other national _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the Prime Minister did not mention the exam and recruitment controversies?
- Do you think leaders should always address current problems in national speeches? Why or why not?
- How do you think young people felt about this speech?
- What effect do strong political comments, like calling someone a 'Naxal', have on public debate?