NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday found himself at the receiving end of an intense social media ridicule after a teleprompter malfunction appeared to leave him confused, stammering before forcing him briefly halt his public address at the World Economic Forum. Though Klaus Schwab the founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, came to his rescue, the video of Modi’s embarrassing gaffe had gone viral, prompting his critics to take potshots at the Indian prime minister’s so-called image of a great public orator.
During his virtual address at the World Economic Forum, Modi was joined by Klaus Schwab from the other end in Geneva. Modi began his scripted speech by laying emphasis on what India had to offer to the world amidst an environment of uncertainty. But within a few minutes in his speech, Modi found himself at a loss as his teleprompter appeared to betray him.
Modi said, “India has given a bouquet of hope to the mankind. In this bouquet, we have the unwavering faith in democracy by us Indians. This bouquet comprises technology that is empowering 21st century. This bouquet has the temperament and talent of us Indians. Whihc….”
This was where Modi appeared to look at the teleprompter on his left realising that the machine had betrayed him right in the middle of his crucial international speech.
Modi paused before trying to buy time by asking his guest in Geneva if he was audible. But, while doing so, the Indian PM began to stammer. Realising his guest’s visible discomfort, Schwab came to his rescue by reading his speech.
Modi resumed his speech again, but little did he realise that he was repeating the first few minutes of his speech, which he had already delivered until he was let down by the teleprompter.
He went on to complete his segment on the ‘bouquet of hope’ by adding how ‘during Corona time, India saved many lives by exporting essential medicines and vaccines by following its vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’.’
What made matter worse for Modi was the fact that his speech was being simultaneously translated into English, Arabic, French, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. This meant that the embarrassment of not being able to continue his speech due to the teleprompter malfunction was shared by hundreds of international audience members. — (Source)