Odisha CM cautions Gen Z against 'external forces' misusing social media, urges patriotism
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday cautioned the younger generation against falling prey to what he described as "external forces" that allegedly try to mislead them through social media and weaken India on the global stage. He made the remarks while launching the state-level 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign in the capital.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, as well as several ministers, senior officials, and eminent personalities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Majhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been striving to empower the country's youth, but they are being "misled by external forces" through social media abuse, intoxication, and negative campaigns. "I call upon the Gen Z to be aware of the external forces and invisible enemies that operate from foreign soil and attempt to mislead our youths through social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to empower the youth of the country. But in the digital age, the youth are being misled by external forces," he said.
The Chief Minister asserted that these "invisible forces" would never achieve their aims. "I suggest the youth prioritise patriotism. The only voice of the youth is — our country will be safe!" He further claimed that certain external forces were attempting to mislead Gen Z through digital media campaigns and cause harm to India. "Today's youths should keep away from such forces and work for the unity of the nation," he added.
Mr. Majhi said the youth would not succumb to these designs. "No external force can weaken India's youth. The purpose of today's Triranga Yatra is to remain united and give a befitting reply to external forces," he stated.
He described young people as the future of India and said they will develop the country into a 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader). "Keeping this in mind, I call upon all youths of Odisha to move forward and build a Viksit Bharat [developed India]," he said.
The Chief Minister's remarks came a day after BJP's Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan claimed that attempts were made to "mislead" Gen Z during the protests over the NEET paper leak issue, prompting him to quit as Union Education Minister. Mr. Pradhan had said, "Gen Z is our children. Some people attempted to mislead them. I had no personal issues then. At least two crore children are born in India every year. During the last 10 years, 20 crore children were born. They have aspirations, and they will make India the 'Vishwa Guru'. The post was not important to me."
During the campaign launch, a colourful procession was taken out with students, Scouts and Guides, NCC and NSS volunteers marching with tricolours in their hands. Cultural troupes from different parts of Odisha performed traditional folk dances. The procession was part of the nationwide campaign that encourages citizens to hoist the tricolour at their homes during Independence Day week.
Mr. Majhi also urged people to make the national festival environment-friendly. "I urge all of you to use only cloth flags instead of plastic flags," he said.
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign will continue till August 17. He added that 60 lakh flags have been distributed to all districts, along with financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to organise the events.
