Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday told a large gathering of students and competitive examination aspirants in Prayagraj that India’s youth were its “greatest strength”, but alleged that unemployment, paper leaks, recruitment delays and the changing nature of jobs were undermining their future.Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at the Kayastha Pathshala (KP) Ground, Rahul said his interaction with students centred on “dard, data aur daulat”.“This evening, I want to speak to you about ‘dard’ (pain), ‘data’ and ‘daulat’ (wealth). Data aapka, dard aapka aur daulat inki (Your data, your pain, but their wealth),” he said.Rahul said India’s nearly 40 crore young people represented its “greatest strength” and that their potential was unmatched globally.“You are the power and pride of India. When I say this, I am talking about every Indian citizen,” he said.However, he questioned the widening gap between education and employment, arguing that educational qualifications had lost their value when they failed to help young people secure jobs.“Today, educational certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot get you a job,” Rahul said, adding that “all doors of employment are closed” for the country’s youth.Citing figures, he claimed that only 12 out of every 1,000 young people were able to secure permanent employment.Rahul also raised concerns over the decline in manufacturing, difficulties faced by young people in accessing loans, delays in recruitment processes and recurring examination paper leaks. He said artificial intelligence posed an additional challenge by transforming the nature of work and increasing the risk of job displacement.He further questioned the manner in which young people’s personal data was being collected and used by large corporations. He alleged that young people were being encouraged to spend more time consuming digital content and taking up gig work, while stable employment opportunities remained scarce.Referring to student protests taking place across the country, Rahul said young people had “lit a light in the darkness” by overcoming fear and speaking out against the problems confronting them.He urged them not to respond to the situation with hatred or violence. “We will never resort to hatred or violence. We will change the system with love and affection,” Rahul said.A large number of students and competitive examination aspirants attended the programme despite waterlogging and muddy conditions at the venue. Students raised concerns related to hostel facilities and competitive examinations and sought to bring these issues to Rahul’s attention.The event followed a motorcycle rally organised by the Congress in Prayagraj on Friday under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai. Dance performances by Mumbai-based rappers were also held before Rahul’s arrival at the venue.