On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through the 24th instalment of his radio show, Mann Ki Baat. On the second year anniversary of the monthly programme, aired on All India Radio in several languages, Modi promised to punish the perpetrators of the militant attack at an Army base in Uri that killed 18 soldiers.
"We have faith in our soldiers," Modi said. "For us citizens, political leaders, there are many opportunities to talk and we do talk. But the Army doesn't talk. They speak through their valour."
Modi also paid tribute to the 18 soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.
In the midst of his speech, the prime minister spoke of a letter he had received from a young boy named Harshvardhan:
"A few days back, a Class XI student, Harshvardhan, put before me a different thought," Modi said. "He wrote that he was very disturbed after the Uri attack and felt a strong urge to do something, but was unable to find a way and decide because what could a young student like him do.”
According to the prime minister, Harshvardhan found a way to sublimate his rage – by vowing to study three extra hours every day, and becoming an "able citizen".
“Bhai Harshvardhan, it is a matter of happiness for me that at such a tender age, you can think in such a healthy manner in an atmosphere of such anger," Modi said, adding that Harshvardhan's anger was at the heart of every Indian citizen. "This is a symbol of national consciousness. This anger also shows a resolve to do something."
Listeners of Mann Ki Baat took to Twitter to voice their opinion on the prime minister's favourite student:
Only kids like Harshvardhan wait for terror attacks to study more, real men just wait for Chappal attacks from their mother.
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) September 25, 2016
Harshvardhan before writing that letter to PM. pic.twitter.com/Fh0fwhZFgP
— Rofl Harshvrdhn Fan (@RoflGandhi_) September 25, 2016
What's our response to Pakistan?
— Sahil Shah (@SahilBulla) September 25, 2016
Harshvardhan will study a lot more to defend terrorists with the power of education.
Hope Harshvardhan doesn't end up becoming a doctor as he'll have to study 24*7 for several years and we have only as many Jawans in the Army pic.twitter.com/fMKVtvz5KQ
— The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) September 25, 2016
From today onwards, Monday would be called Harshvardhan Day. https://t.co/1HCkqWGzib
— दिमाग से पैदल !! (@DeemagSePaidal) September 26, 2016
Adarsh balak https://t.co/rWnj8zEQY6
— Dogepusi (@domerdawg) September 25, 2016
Last week, US President Barack Obama had shared a letter with world leaders, gathered to discuss the global refugee crisis. The letter was allegedly written by a six-year-old named Alex, who advised Obama to end the refugee crisis
Modi's mention of the unidentified Harshvardhan was in similar vein.
A Twitter thread extrapolated Harshvardhan's status as a "good citizen" of the nation.
1/ So Harshvardhan has been railroaded by his overbearing parents, into writing to uncle in 7 LOL Kalyan Marg, that he'll study for 3...
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) September 25, 2016
A few social media users were confused about the identity of Harshvardhan.
Please tell me whether I should tweet jokes on HarshVardhan or on HarshWardhan?
— Roflindian (@Roflindian) September 25, 2016
Bhai Harshvardhan Delhi CM wale ya Harshwardhan anil kapoor ka beta?
— Gotham (@MuhMein_LeLe) September 26, 2016
The real Harshvardhan is yet to respond. Recent events suggest he may be busy studying.