Modi swaps formal speeches for funny Instagram reels

What happens when a serious leader suddenly starts making fun videos? That is what is happening in India right now.

Narendra Modi is the prime minister of India. For many years, he built an image as a strong, formal leader. He wore traditional clothes. He spoke in a serious way. Young people did not know him very well.

Now, Modi is changing. He is making short videos called "reels." These videos are casual and funny. He shows himself doing simple things. He laughs and talks in a relaxed way. These videos appear on Instagram and other social media. Young Indians can see them easily.

Why is he doing this? India has many young people. Most of them use social media every day. They watch short videos and reels. Modi wants to talk to them. He wants them to know him better. A formal speech on television does not reach young people anymore. But a funny video on Instagram does.

Some young people think this is good. They say it is nice to see their leader as a real person. They share his videos and laugh. But other young people are skeptical. They wonder if Modi is being real or if this is just a trick to get their attention. They ask: Is this really him, or is someone else making these videos?

This tells us something important. Leaders and young people are meeting in a new place now. That place is social media. The old ways of talking to people are changing fast. A serious image is not enough anymore. You need to be present where young people spend their time.

Do you think a leader should change how he speaks to different age groups? What would you do if you were trying to reach young people?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.