Rahul Gandhi recently addressed a gathering of students and exam aspirants during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Prayagraj, asserting that India’s 40 crore youth represent the nation’s “greatest strength.” However, he expressed concern that this demographic has found itself ensnared in a challenging situation marked by high education costs, diminishing job opportunities, and persistent concerns over examination integrity.

The Congress leader’s message revolved around three central themes: “dard, data, and daulat,” translating to pain, data, and wealth. He underscored that while the youth constitute a vast potential resource, they are not being adequately equipped to translate that potential into viable employment options. Gandhi emphasised the paradoxical nature of having a robust youth population yet grappling with unemployment.

During his speech, he mentioned that families invest significant sums in higher education, only for students to find that their degrees do not guarantee a job. He claimed that, presently, only 12 out of every 1,000 young people in India secure permanent jobs, adding that the education system’s inefficiencies need reform.

BJP Critiques Gandhi’s Focus and Location

In response to Gandhi’s address, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned his choice of venue, suggesting he should have directed his attention toward Jharkhand, where students are protesting recruitment irregularities. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Gandhi of failing to engage with students who are actively voicing their concerns in Ranchi, claiming a lack of genuine empathy on his part.

This criticism from the BJP was echoed by national spokesperson CR Kesavan, who labelled Gandhi’s conduct as “two-faced political hypocrisy.” He highlighted the contrast between Gandhi attending the Prayagraj event while neglecting the ongoing hunger strikes of students in Jharkhand, where the Congress party is a coalition partner.

The BJP’s response comes in light of continued demonstrations in Jharkhand, where students are demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in recruitment processes related to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. This political tug-of-war reflects broader tensions between the Congress and BJP over youth-related issues.

Youth and Data: A Proposed Path Forward

In defining India’s advantages, Gandhi moved on to discuss the role of data as a significant economic asset. He asserted that combining the youth population with data could propel India into a leading position in the 21st-century economy. He likened the importance of data to that of petroleum in previous eras, arguing that artificial intelligence relies fundamentally on the data generated by the populace.

Gandhi also stressed that this data should serve the interests of the youth rather than corporate giants, naming several companies he alleges benefit disproportionately from it. He deemed the data generated by Indians an invaluable national resource, urging that it should be recognised as a form of capital essential for the country’s development.

Additionally, Gandhi touched upon the addictive nature of social media, particularly highlighting the youth’s engagement with platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. He expressed concern that while young individuals are encouraged to focus on digital content creation, they face barriers when seeking stable employment opportunities.

As the event concluded, Gandhi reiterated that his struggle is against the systemic issues rather than individuals, encouraging a collective desire for change. He left the venue with an affirmation of goodwill, advocating for a politics centred on unity rather than division.

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