Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised India's Gen Z to avoid shortcuts and remain cautious about the influence of social media personalities. Speaking at the launch of former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, in Delhi on Wednesday, Modi used the example of people crossing railway tracks instead of using footbridges to illustrate the risks of choosing an easier route. He said the warning often displayed near railway crossings carries a broader message for young people: “A shortcut will cut you short.”

Modi urged young Indians to focus on meaningful and sustainable paths rather than seeking instant results. Referring to the growing influence of social media, he cautioned youngsters to be careful about influencers who can pull audiences in different directions. He also encouraged young people seeking guidance to read the autobiographies of individuals they admire. The Prime Minister's remarks came as social media platforms and short-form videos have become increasingly influential in shaping how younger audiences consume information and entertainment.

The comments are part of Modi's broader effort to connect with Gen Z, a generation that spends significant time on digital platforms. His recent social media outreach has increasingly adopted formats and language popular among younger users. The Prime Minister has posted selfie-style videos, used informal greetings and engaged with viral expressions while encouraging young audiences to interact with content in more relatable formats.

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The shift in youth outreach comes against the backdrop of student and job-seeker protests that have recently emerged as a political challenge for the government. The protests were linked to concerns over the NEET-UG examination and broader issues affecting young people. Following the demonstrations, the BJP and the RSS have also increased their efforts to engage with younger audiences, while ministers and government departments have expanded their presence on platforms that are popular among Gen Z.

Government departments have increasingly experimented with short-form digital content as part of this outreach. The Ministry of External Affairs recently launched an account on Snapchat, adding another platform to the government's social media presence. At a Cabinet meeting following the protests, Modi reportedly encouraged ministers to become more active on platforms frequented by young people and suggested that their videos should appear less polished and more relatable.

Modi's latest message combines his digital engagement strategy with a caution against the culture of instant gratification associated with social media. By comparing shortcuts with the risks of crossing railway tracks, he urged young people to think beyond immediate convenience and consider the longer-term consequences of their choices. His remarks also reflect the growing importance of Gen Z as a key audience for political communication, with social media emerging as an increasingly important space for engaging India's younger population.

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