Chennai, 10 Oct (H.S.): Education costs, examination irregularities and employment concerns will take centre stage when Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi interacts with students in Chennai on Saturday, during a visit that includes talks with Chief Minister Vijay.

Gandhi is expected to arrive at Chennai airport at 12.30 p.m. and meet Vijay at his Neelankarai residence at 1.30 p.m., before attending the student programme later in the evening.

The interaction at Island Grounds will begin at 5 p.m. under the Congress leader’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Voice of Students) initiative, which brings young people’s educational and career concerns into direct discussion.

Chennai follows earlier outreach programmes in Kota, Pune, Nashik and Indore. Students are expected to raise questions about NEET, examination paper leaks, rising tuition fees and difficulties in finding jobs.

According to organisers, more than one lakh students registered through a website and QR codes circulated across Tamil Nadu. Admission to the main interaction, however, will be limited to 10,000 students issued identification cards.

The Tamil Nadu Congress has erected a large covered pavilion at the venue. Screens outside the enclosure will allow others to watch the proceedings, while drinking water and toilet facilities have been arranged.

Around 350 education representatives, including college principals, professors and former principals, have been invited. Students from colleges across the State are also expected to participate.

State Congress president Manickam Tagore inspected the arrangements with senior leaders, including Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Nivedit Alva, ministers Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan, and Congress legislature party leader Tharahai Cuthbert.

Gandhi’s itinerary also includes meetings with Congress functionaries and other prominent political leaders at the Taj Connemara hotel, adding a series of political engagements to the student-focused visit.

After completing his scheduled engagements in Chennai, the Congress leader is expected to return to New Delhi on a 9.30 p.m. flight.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman