Dehradun: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with students and young people at the ‘Students’ Voice’ programme held at Bannu Ground in Dehradun. Besides Uttarakhand, students from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Haryana, among other states, attended the event. Despite inclement weather, a large number of students and Congress workers were present.
Even before Rahul Gandhi arrived, students had begun gathering at the venue in large numbers. Students who had travelled from distant places expressed their expectations regarding issues such as education, competitive examinations, paper leaks, and employment. Participants said that this direct interaction with young people was an important initiative for them.
Sanjeet, a differently-abled student from Maharashtra, attended the programme in a wheelchair. He said that he had completed his postgraduate studies and wished to pursue research, but incidents such as paper leaks in competitive examinations had demoralised young people. He added that he had come to support the campaign focused on students’ interests.
Congress worker Digambar Singh Negi said that he had been associated with the party since 2002 and attended the programme to encourage students. Meanwhile, Virendra Bisht, councillor from North Racecourse Ward, said that repeated incidents of examination paper leaks had affected the confidence of young people and that open discussions on such issues were essential.
Virendra Bisht also said that the Congress had to organise the programme at Bannu Ground instead of Parade Ground, but despite the change in venue, the large turnout of students and youth made the event a success. Congress leaders described it as a sign of widespread public participation on issues concerning young people.
