Rahul Gandhi to youth at Chhatron Ki Goonj: Your potential is India’s biggest strength

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (August 8) described India's youth as the country's biggest strength, while raising concerns over unemployment, examination irregularities and the growing influence of technology on young people.

Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Rahul said India's young population had enormous potential and was unmatched globally. He told the gathering that his remarks about the country's strength applied to every Indian citizen.

Three issues

Rahul said he wanted to discuss three issues with the students - dard (pain), data and daulat (wealth). Referring to India's estimated 40 crore young people, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said their potential was greater than that of the youth populations of countries such as the US, China and Russia.

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The Congress leader also questioned the value of educational qualifications in the absence of adequate employment opportunities. He claimed that degrees and certificates were losing their significance because they were not translating into jobs for young Indians.

Focus on unemployment and exams

Rahul attributed the employment crisis to several factors, including declining manufacturing activity, difficulties in obtaining loans, alleged examination paper leaks and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.

He also referred to student protests in different parts of the country, saying young people had overcome fear by raising their concerns. Rahul urged students to continue seeking change without resorting to violence or hatred.

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“We will never resort to hatred or violence. We will change the system with love and affection,” he said.

The event was attended by a large number of students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations. Students also raised concerns over hostel facilities and problems associated with competitive examinations, which they hoped to bring to Gandhi's attention.

Social media addiction

Rahul also criticised what he described as excessive dependence on social media among young people. Referring to short-form video content, he called reels “the addiction of the 21st century”.

He alleged that large corporations collect data generated by young users and use digital platforms to keep them engaged, while concerns such as the shortage of permanent employment remain unresolved.

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The Prayagraj event was part of the Congress's ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign, which has previously been held in Kota and Dehradun. The party has positioned the initiative as a platform for students and young people to raise issues related to education, recruitment and employment.

Youth outreach

Ahead of Rahul's programme, the Congress organised a motorcycle rally in Prayagraj on Friday (August 7) under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai.

Rai accused the BJP government of being concerned about growing dissatisfaction among students. He said young people were demanding employment opportunities, transparency in recruitment examinations and accountability from the government.

(With agency inputs)