‘Modi wants youth to make reels instead’: Rahul Gandhi at meeting with Sarthak Sidhant, teen who probed CBSE
Modi Wants Youth to Make Reels Instead: Rahul Gandhi Commends Sarthak Sidhant at Meeting
Modi wants youth to make reels - Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the achievements of Sarthak Sidhant, an 18-year-old student, and his associate Nisarga Adhikary during a recent meeting. The duo was recognized for uncovering irregularities in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) on-screen marking system (OSM) tender process, a feat that even major media outlets and investigative agencies had not managed.
The Investigation
Gandhi shared a video of his conversation with Sidhant on X, where he emphasized the student’s role in challenging the system and seeking clarity despite his age. In a Hindi post, he described Sidhant as a young individual whose "mindset, courage, and principles" were comparable to those of seasoned professionals. "At 18, he possesses a mindset and resolve that are unparalleled," Gandhi wrote.
"Teenagers have surpassed even the CBI in exposing the truth. This is a triumph for youth, a setback for the government," he stated.
The investigation focused on the CBSE’s OSM tendering process, which replaced traditional paper-based evaluations with a digital system for Class 12 exams. Sidhant and Adhikary, a 19-year-old, raised concerns about discrepancies in the scanned answer sheets, prompting questions about the accuracy of the system.
Political Implications
Gandhi used the incident to critique Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s treatment of young people, arguing that the leader’s approach prioritizes entertainment over critical thinking. "Modi ji wants our youth to focus on creating reels and frying pakodas, without questioning or understanding," he said.
"Yet, these young men did question, and they found the answers. This victory for the youth is a defeat for the government," Gandhi added.
The controversy has escalated into a political debate. The government recently dismissed two senior CBSE officials amid the allegations, but Congress dismissed the move as an attempt to obscure the truth. Gandhi has also called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an independent judicial inquiry.
The OSM Controversy
The dispute centers on the CBSE’s decision to implement the on-screen marking system for board exams. Students reported that scanned sheets did not match their handwritten work, sparking worries about potential fraud. Sidhant’s presentation to a parliamentary panel further intensified the scrutiny of the tendering process.
Gandhi met Sidhant and his family last Tuesday, followed by a message of support. In a Sunday video, he inquired about how Sidhant gathered evidence, praising the student’s investigative work as a model for youth empowerment. "This showcases India’s true youth power—curious, aware, and informed," he concluded.
Hindustan Times’ newsdesk continues to cover breaking updates on India’s political landscape, including the economy, environment, and global events. The story of Sarthak Sidhant and Nisarga Adhikary underscores the role of young voices in holding institutions accountable.