A group of scholars and educators have expressed disapproval of the shirtless protest staged by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) at the prestigious AI Summit venue. They criticized the disruption at this significant global event, stating that it was not only inappropriate but also against national interests. Leading academicians and notable personalities, including vice-chancellors and professors, issued a joint statement condemning the Youth Congress’s approach in opposing the AI event.
The protest, associated with Rahul Gandhi, was deemed unfortunate by the scholars. They highlighted that the timing of the protest, during an event where global investors and technology leaders were evaluating India’s credibility in AI and advanced technologies, conveyed a negative impression. The scholars emphasized that the AI Impact Summit represented India’s emergence as a serious technological power in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era.
The scholars further criticized the IYC protest, stating that it was regrettable and poorly thought out. They underscored that the summit was not a platform for partisan politics or domestic propaganda. Converting an international forum into a political demonstration was viewed as a lack of judgment and a failure to differentiate between democratic dissent and safeguarding national prestige on a global platform.
Expressing concern that such protests could bolster the narratives of adversarial nations like China and Pakistan, the scholars noted that the Youth Congress’s actions did not align with broader national interests during a crucial global engagement. They cautioned against domestic political behavior that could be perceived as reinforcing narratives questioning the summit’s significance.
Over 100 educationists endorsed the joint statement, including Vice-Chancellors from various universities and scores of professors and research scholars. They highlighted the innovation emerging within India and abroad, showcased at the event in the national capital, emphasizing that India’s progress in AI is a collective achievement of its scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, institutions, universities, and policy frameworks. Using the event for political gains was deemed inappropriate by the scholars.
Citing the 2025 Global AI Vibrancy Index by Stanford University, the scholars pointed out that India now ranks 3rd globally in Artificial Intelligence, behind the US and China. They noted India’s significant advancements in research output, talent development, and infrastructure, highlighting its position as the first Global South nation in the top tier.
