Manu Bhaker speaks out against abusive language, calls for respectful discourse

By Sanjay Menon — 3 August 2026 — 3 min read

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker advocates for respectful language

Manu Bhaker, a two-time Olympic medallist in shooting, has addressed the increasing normalisation of abusive language, particularly among younger generations. She stated that using offensive language is not acceptable and encouraged individuals to choose their words carefully. Bhaker’s comments contribute to a broader discussion about the use of profanity in public discourse.

Bhaker emphasised that the language people use reflects their personality and character. She posted on X, advising that individuals become what they think, speak, and practice over time. She also clarified that profanity should not be confused with confidence or modernity, asserting that true ‘coolness’ is found in values such as hard work, kindness, respect, honesty, and making one’s parents and country proud.

Her remarks follow a period where videos from a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi showed some protesters using profane slogans. These incidents have fueled a wider debate regarding the boundaries of political expression.

Public figures join the discussion on language

The debate has seen several public figures express their views. Actor Anupam Kher, while acknowledging the students’ protest objectives, conveyed his distress over the abusive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kher highlighted that democracy provides the right to disagree but not to disrespect, stressing the importance of respecting the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office.

Prime Minister Modi also shared a video message on Instagram, indicating that he had forgiven the students who used abusive language during a recent protest. He urged society to guide them rather than seek punishment, stating that childhood is a time for correcting mistakes.

Actor Ashutosh Rana also weighed in on the importance of responsible public discourse. Rana’s comments were made in response to remarks by actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who had criticised the language used by some young protesters, describing it as “puke-inducing” and referring to parts of the generation as “gutter.”

Rana differentiated between movements and revolutions, advocating for young people to express themselves constructively. He used a metaphor, stating that every animal is recognised by its sound and expression, and that words determine whether one receives respect or shame.

Bhaker’s message on social media responsibility

Bhaker, who recently secured a bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, also used her social media platform to encourage responsible behaviour online. She urged social media influencers to reduce negativity and promote positivity, noting that life is unpredictable and kindness is essential.

She highlighted that social media is accessible to everyone, including younger generations, making it crucial to provide positive influences. Bhaker noted that while some influencers do good work, others are overly critical and make negative comments. She questioned the necessity of such negativity, stating that pulling others down does not lead to success and that negative comments can significantly impact an individual.

Bhaker, at 24, shared that personal support during both good and challenging times is valuable. She concluded her message by encouraging people to cherish their lives and those around them.

The discussions initiated by Bhaker, Kher, Rana, and Ranaut contribute to the ongoing conversation about whether political dissent can remain impactful without resorting to abuse, and how the normalisation of profanity is influencing the culture of India’s youth.

Source: indiatoday.in