The state capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, recently hosted a major event titled 'Students' Resonance', which drew significant attention. During this session, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, engaged in direct dialogue with students and youth. Despite heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, a large crowd of students gathered to voice their concerns. The event was modeled after similar outreach programs held in Kota, Rajasthan, aiming to provide a platform for youth to air their grievances.
A Garland of Degrees and Failures
Among the attendees, Manoj Kumar from Pithoragarh became the center of attention. He arrived at the venue wearing a garland made of his various degrees and certificates. He expressed his anguish, stating that he has been suffering due to the current system for the past 15 years. He noted that even though Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has personally presented him with certificates of merit, he remains unemployed to this day.
The Impact of Paper Leaks
Manoj recounted his ordeal, explaining that he had appeared for the Uttarakhand Selection Commission and Patwari recruitment examinations, only for the papers to be leaked. He noted, 'The paper leak incidents shattered my faith in the system, and I gave up taking competitive exams.' He further alleged that while staying in Dehradun, he was subjected to a false police case. Despite being sent to jail, he was eventually proven completely innocent by the court.
Legal Battle and Demand for Compensation
The protracted legal battle cost Manoj many valuable years of his life. He fought for seven years against the false case, even taking the matter to the Supreme Court. He shared that he had also observed a hunger strike for one month and six days in Pithoragarh. He emphasized that youths coming from remote border villages with big dreams often see their lives ruined by such systemic failures. He has appealed to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for employment and compensation for the immense financial loss incurred over these years.
Support from Long-time Activists
Digambar Singh Negi, who traveled specifically from the Rath area of Pauri, also attended the event. Having been a loyal Congress worker for 26 years, he noted that he never misses any party events. While acknowledging that the gathering was primarily for students, he expressed his firm support for the youth protesting against critical issues like recurring paper leaks and overwhelming inflation.
Questioning the Education System
Unnati, a 12th-grade student from Dehradun, voiced her deep dissatisfaction with the current administrative framework. She expressed her ambition to prepare for government jobs in the future. Questioning the education system, she pointed out the trauma students face when they learn a paper is leaked shortly after finishing an exam. She stated, 'Individuals resort to drastic steps like suicide only when they are left completely hopeless.' She cited the case of a girl named Riya from Dehradun who took her own life. Unnati added that she attended the event because Rahul Gandhi is known for strongly advocating for students' interests.
