New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday responded to criticism and online mockery by opposition over videos and social media reels with regard to his interactions with children during his public engagements, saying he hears the taunts but refuses to ignore or insult genuine affection.

Speaking at a public event in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi spotted a kid standing with his hands carrying a portrait of the PM up in the air. "You will get tired. Bring me the picture, write your address on the back, I will write to you. I urge the SPG to bring me this child's love," the PM said.

Continuing his speech, PM Modi said he was aware that whenever he travelled across the country, young people and children often expre...