PRAYAGRAJ\/UTTAR PRADESH, AUG 8 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described India\u2019s youth as the country\u2019s \u201cgreatest strength\u201d, saying their potential is unmatched globally, and raised concerns over unemployment, exam paper leaks, declining manufacturing and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the \u2018Chhatron Ki Goonj\u2019 programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Gandhi said, \u201cYou are the power and pride of India. When I say this, I am talking about every Indian citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis evening I want to speak to you about dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said India\u2019s 40 crore youths represent its \u201cgreatest strength\u201d. Referring to the global focus on countries such as the US, China and Russia, Gandhi said, \u201cIndia’s youths are unparalleled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also flagged the growing devaluation of educational qualifications, saying, \u201cToday, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you a job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gandhi said all doors of employment were \u201cclosed\u201d in the country and cited the decline in manufacturing, difficulties in obtaining loans, examination paper leaks and AI-driven job displacement as major challenges facing young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to recent student protests across the country, Gandhi said the youth had \u201clit a light in the darkness\u201d by confronting their fears and, in the process, helped bring about change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will never resort to hatred or violence. We will change the system with love and affection,\u201d Gandhi said, urging young people to follow the same path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A large number of students and competitive examination aspirants attended the programme despite waterlogging and muddy patches at the venue. Dance performances by rappers from Mumbai were held ahead of Gandhi\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event followed a motorcycle rally organised by the Congress in Prayagraj on Friday, led by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students at the programme also raised concerns over hostel facilities and problems related to competitive examinations, which they said they wanted to bring to Gandhi\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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