No Cap, It’s A Connect: How Modi Is Speaking Gen Z’s Language

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively engaging with Generation Z, who are vastly different from him in age, through various digital platforms. This outreach covers a wide range of topics including exam stress, gaming, creators, startups, sports, and artificial intelligence. Modi's approach is to show up where Gen Z already is, rather than trying to become them.

His first major outreach was through Pariksha Pe Charcha, an annual event where he interacted with students about various personal and academic issues. This has become a regular platform for Modi to speak as an older figure offering advice to students.

Modi has also embraced the digital space through content creators and gamers. He personally presented the National Creators Award in March 2024, which recognized over 10 lakh votes cast for various categories including gaming, education, technology, health and fitness, storytelling and social change. Gaming has become a significant area of outreach for Modi, as it intersects with entertainment, technology, competition, content creation and potential careers.

This signals to young Indians that their digital culture is part of a broader discussion about the country's economy and future.

In addition to the digital realm, Modi has also focused on sports, with initiatives like Khelo India, and space exploration, such as Chandrayaan. These achievements have been woven into his public messaging to connect with the youth. By recognizing the subjects that Gen Z takes seriously, Modi has found a way to communicate with them that goes beyond conventional politics and speaks to their digital culture and ambitions.