System needs questioners, not blind followers, says Gandhi in Indore

Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp critique of the government's educational philosophy during an address to students at an event called 'Students' Echo' in Indore on Wednesday. Speaking to a gathering of young people, the Congress leader questioned the current system's approach to fostering inquiry and debate among students.

Gandhi argued that the administration prioritizes ideological conformity over independent thought, suggesting that the system seeks unquestioning adherents rather than inquisitive minds. He emphasized the importance of students maintaining their habit of asking difficult questions as a cornerstone of democratic functioning.

The Congress leader drew connections between education policy, democratic principles, and what he characterized as a broader erosion of the questioning spirit in institutions. He contended that a healthy system requires citizens who think critically and challenge prevailing narratives, rather than those who accept state narratives without scrutiny.

His comments reflect ongoing political tensions in India over education curricula and the balance between national values and academic freedom, issues that have featured prominently in opposition critiques of current policies.