Youth potential“India’s youth have all the potential, but the system has trapped them in a maze.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is meaningless without your data, AI can be created from data, but data cannot be created from AI.
In the 21st century, a country’s progress relies on two things—the youth potential that you possess and the data that you generate.
“Rahul Gandhi ji, I want to thank you for raising the voice of us students and youth.
I can count all these paper leaks on my fingers, such as the 2017 Sub Inspector Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2018 UP Constable Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2020-21 UP SI Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2022 Lekhpal Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2023 RO/ARO Recruitment Exam paper leak, and the 2023 UP Constable Recruitment Exam paper leak,” said a youth.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (August 8, 2026) said India’s youth are the country’s greatest strength, and their potential is unparalleled in the world. Speaking in Prayagraj, he added that the youth of the country have worked to light a lamp in the darkness.
“You are the power and pride of India. When I say this, I am referring to every Indian citizen. This evening, I want to speak to you about dard [pain], data, and daulat [wealth]. The youth of India have faced fear and worked to change the country. The culture of India is one of truth and non-violence. No student should harbour hatred in their heart; only love should reside there. We must end this corrupt system with love and compassion. I stand with all the youth who are fighting for their rights,” Mr. Gandhi said while addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ interaction program at the KP Ground.
The Congress leader alleged that while families spend millions of rupees on education, the system just issues certificates without providing employment.
Youth potential
“India’s youth have all the potential, but the system has trapped them in a maze. Only 12 out of 1,000 people get permanent jobs. People’s data is snatched from them and given to big companies. Then you’re told to create reels and content. Reel is the new craze of the 21st century. Young people are told to work for Blinkit, Uber, or do labour work, but you can’t get a job in this country,” he said.
Also Read | Permission for Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Prayagraj revoked by venue provider
Mr. Gandhi emphasised that in the 21st century, progress relies on youth potential and data.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is meaningless without your data, AI can be created from data, but data cannot be created from AI. There are 40 crore energetic young people like you in this country. People talk about China, America, and Russia, but all of them pale in comparison to the youth of India and their potential in the 21st century. In the 21st century, a country’s progress relies on two things—the youth potential that you possess and the data that you generate. India has the youth and also possesses the largest volume of data in the world. Every Indian consumes one gigabyte of data daily; future progress will be driven by this data and your potential. Youth plus data equals the 21st-century economy,” he said.
He also warned of an approaching economic crisis that would adversely impact common people.
“Prices of everything are rising, the government is benefitting big corporate houses at the expense of the common youth. If anyone will be hit by this economic storm, it will be the common youth and people of the country,” said Mr. Gandhi.
Paper leaks
During the interaction, students raised concerns regarding recurring paper leaks in Uttar Pradesh.
“Rahul Gandhi ji, I want to thank you for raising the voice of us students and youth. The youth of the country are with you. Ever since Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, paper leaks have occurred continuously. I can count all these paper leaks on my fingers, such as the 2017 Sub Inspector Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2018 UP Constable Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2020-21 UP SI Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2022 Lekhpal Recruitment Exam paper leak, 2023 RO/ARO Recruitment Exam paper leak, and the 2023 UP Constable Recruitment Exam paper leak,” said a youth.
Earlier, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal alleged the ruling party is attempting to sabotage the event of Mr. Gandhi. “How rattled are PM Modi and CM Yogi that they are out to sabotage Rahul Gandhi ji’s Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Prayagraj by letting out sewage water into the maidan? This is truly gutter-level politics, and only goes to show that the BJP is against any effort that gives a platform for the youth to speak up and share their plight. None of these petty tactics will deter Rahul ji and the Congress from raising the issues of the students and unemployed youth who are suffering because of this regime’s complete failure to secure their future,” wrote Mr. Venugopal, on X, along with a video.
