Bhubaneswar: The growing crisis in education and employment and threats to democratic values came under sharp criticism at a memorial meeting for former CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Friday, with Students’ Federation of India (SFI) general secretary Srijan Bhattacharyya calling for a collective struggle to protect the rights of young people and students.
The meeting, organised here on the theme ‘Youth Facing Crisis – Education, Employment and Democracy,’ saw the participation of a large number of youths and students, as well as people from different sections of society.
Addressing the gathering as the chief speaker, Bhattacharyya criticised what he described as growing attacks on Left and progressive forces, the deepening crisis of neoliberal capitalism and the rise of neo-fascist forces in several countries.
He also strongly criticised the policies of the Modi government, particularly their alleged impact on education, employment, democracy and the rights of young people. The responsibility of Left and progressive forces had increased in the prevailing situation, he said, calling for the protection of democratic and secular values and greater mobilisation of youth and students for their rights.
“Change is the need of the hour,” Bhattacharyya said, arguing that socialism offered a path towards a more just social order. The meeting was presided over by Sitaram Yechury Memorial Celebration Committee president Suresh Panigrahi, while its secretary Pradipta Nayak delivered the welcome address.
The gathering also discussed the worsening education and employment crisis, perceived threats to democracy, and other issues confronting young people and students.