The “Gen Z” language seems to have caught on in his public engagements as PM Narendra Modi uses the word “aura” to convey his message.
The Prime Minister was heard using the term in his meeting with the winners of National Teachers’ Awards on Friday after a humorous exchange with a teacher who told him that he was worried about his “aura” due to a lack of confidence in himself.
In reply, Modi joked that one public speaker shouldn’t have an aura if that is the case.
Within a few moments, teacher explained that a public speaker was required to have one, and that the PM had a one.
Modi, continuing the fun, said that the aura of a few could make people disregard their words and just tune them out.
The teacher replied with a smile, “People can just keep on watching the Prime Minister”.
The exchange became newsworthy for its casual and down-to-earth style, given that “aura” is actually a trending word for Gen Z, and is used on social media to convey a sense of presence, confidence or charisma.
It was the same word used by the Prime Minister in his earlier interaction with the CEOs and founders of space startup firms in the beginning of this month. His communication style in modern youth slang adds an element of fun to his communication with younger audience and professionals.
In the Teachers’ Day interaction, educators got the chance to interact with national Teachers’ Award winners and share their insights and experience with the Prime Minister on the day.
The conversation on “aura” was distinct from the interaction, and manifested Modi’s effort to make use of the slang of the new age in his public dialogues.