Jaipur, June 17: In a significant address at the ‘Students’ Echo’ event in Kota’s Dussehra Maidan, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, engaged directly with students on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the event was not political but focused entirely on the concerns and future of the students. The Congress party shared a video of his speech, where Gandhi expressed his joy and honor at standing before the students in Kota. “This is not a political gathering. It is about you and your future,” he stated.
Criticizing the education system, Gandhi pointed out that it places excessive pressure on children, leading to stress and often stifling their aspirations. “We must ensure that no child is driven to take drastic steps like suicide,” he urged.
He highlighted a suicide note allegedly written by a student named Akanksha, stating, “This is not her failure; it is a failure of our education system.” He accused the system of becoming a means of financial exploitation.
Gandhi noted that only a small percentage of graduates secure jobs, revealing that just 12 out of every 1,000 students find employment. “What happens to the rest? Some work as laborers, others drive taxis, or engage in the gig economy. Today, a significant number of engineering graduates are unemployed,” he lamented.
He further asserted that an ideal education system should empower students to dream big without imposing heavy financial burdens.
Referring to competitive exams like NEET and JEE, he argued that the current structure rejects far more students than it admits. “Millions sit for these exams, but only a few are selected. Parents spend millions on coaching. Our education system has become one of rejection rather than selection, humiliating students and pushing many towards depression,” he concluded.
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