Education – Rahul Gandhi Expected to Address Youth in Dehradun on July 17
Education – Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Dehradun on July 17 for an interaction with young people under the party’s nationwide Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign. The programme is planned at Parade Ground in the Uttarakhand capital, according to party sources familiar with the preparations.
Dehradun event planned under student outreach campaign
The proposed gathering is part of an outreach initiative focused on concerns raised by students and young citizens across the country. Chhatron Ki Goonj, which translates to Echo of Students, has been positioned by the Congress as a platform for discussions on examination-related issues, educational opportunities and challenges within the wider education system.
An office-bearer of the All India Congress Committee said arrangements for the Dehradun programme were under way. The event is expected to follow the format of a similar youth interaction held earlier in Kota, Rajasthan, where Gandhi addressed students and other young participants.
Kota programme marked the beginning of the campaign
Gandhi launched the campaign in Kota through an event described as the Chhatron Ki Goonj Maha Rally. Kota is widely known as a major centre for competitive examination coaching, making it a significant location for a campaign centred on student welfare and education policy.
During his address in Kota, Gandhi spoke about pressures faced by students, including the effect of academic competition and institutional shortcomings. He said conversations with young people were important at a time when mental health concerns and uncertainty about education and employment were affecting many students.
The Dehradun visit is expected to carry forward those discussions, with youth participation likely to remain at the centre of the programme.
Earlier Uttarakhand visit affected by weather
Gandhi had visited Uttarakhand on June 4, but parts of his planned schedule could not be completed because of adverse weather conditions. A public meeting in Almora and an interaction with former servicemen in Pauri Garhwal were postponed at the time.
His upcoming visit to Dehradun would be his next major public engagement in the state if the programme goes ahead as scheduled. Party workers have begun coordinating for the event, although detailed arrangements and the final programme schedule have not yet been formally announced.
Congress raises concerns over education system
The Congress has linked the Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign to its broader criticism of the Union government’s handling of education. The party has cited examination irregularities and what it describes as gaps in education planning as key issues requiring attention.
Congress leaders have also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government has failed to respond adequately to challenges faced by students. The party has demanded reforms aimed at improving transparency in examinations, strengthening educational institutions and addressing student well-being.
The Union government has maintained that it is taking steps to improve education access, modernise learning systems and ensure accountability in examinations. The political debate over education policy has continued alongside concerns raised by students in several parts of the country.
More youth conventions expected in other cities
As part of the campaign, Gandhi is also expected to attend student and youth conventions in Allahabad, Patna and Delhi. The Congress has not released a complete timetable for these programmes, but the events are expected to focus on student issues and the party’s proposals for education reform.
The Dehradun programme is likely to draw students, youth groups and Congress workers from across Uttarakhand. Party leaders say the campaign is intended to create a direct channel for young people to share their concerns and expectations on education, examinations and future opportunities.