New Delhi (India), April 27, 2023: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked outrage on social media after making a joke about a woman’s suicide at a media event on April 26. Many have criticized the Prime Minister for his insensitivity and inappropriate behavior in reciting a joke about suicide.
During the event, Modi said, “In our childhood, we would hear a joke. I want to tell you that. There was a professor, and his daughter committed suicide. She left a chit, ‘I am tired of life and don’t want to live. So I will jump into the Kankaria Lake and die. In the morning, he saw his daughter was not at home. On the bed, he found the letter. The father was very angry. “I am a professor. For so many years I have worked hard, and even now, she has spelled ‘Kankaria’ wrong.”
His speech was broadcast live on a television channel, where he shared a joke about a professor whose daughter committed suicide. He then went on to compliment Republic TV head Arnab Goswami’s Hindi language skills, which was followed by more applause from the audience.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 1,64,033 people died by suicide in India in 2021, which translates to 450 people per day. The figures showed an increase of 7.2% compared to the previous year. Mental health has not been a priority in India, and people tend to judge individuals with mental illnesses. A recent survey revealed that 47% of respondents from eight cities across India were highly judgmental towards those perceived as having a mental illness.
The high suicide numbers in India, particularly among the youth, have been a matter of concern. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have condemned Modi’s comments and called for better education and awareness about mental health issues.
Journalists have also criticized Modi’s insensitivity, with one journalist tweeting that “no aspect of insensitivity should be devoid of your indulgence.” Modi’s joke has sparked discussions about the need for better mental health support and awareness in India.
