It was a rare occasion for the students of coastal districts who had turned up in large numbers to interact with AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.
Though there were several questions, only a few got the chance to ask the questions. The interesting aspect was that the questions were not screened and it was an open floor for anybody and everybody.
When Ms Kavya, a student of Manipal, said that she was thinking of going out of country following brain drain in India, Mr Gandhi said that according to him the brain drain existed only 1960s and 1970s when the then IITs left India for US and they were called “traitors.”
“But those traitors returned to India after 30 to 40 years and built beautiful Bangalore and as a result, you see what Karnataka is today. Someone may opt to go for the US today because of an opportunity. But he will return the moment there is an opportunity and he or she will come to India with her experience. Hence, where is the question of brain drain?” he said.
When she sought to know what the government will do for her, Mr Gandhi replied: “Why do you want the government help. You are intelligent.”
*Mr Anoop from St Aloysius College wanted to know whether he should vote for a good candidate of a bad party or bad candidate of a good party.
“As a voter, you need to make a decision. If I am not able to give you the right candidate, you are free to choose your candidate.”
* Ms Gladys, a physiotherapist from Dr M V Shetty College wanted to know what Mr Gandhi can do for physiotherapists as they are not yet been recognised. There is no Council too.
However, Mr Gandhi assured to look into the matter.

*Deepthi Marla, another physiotherapist, wanted to know whom should she contact if there are problems in future as Mr Gandhi will not be available tomorrow in Mangalore.
“I can give you his number” Mr Gandhi said pointing towards NSUI National President Nadeem Javed (in a lighter vein) and then added: “There is a limitation. The solutions should come from you. If a problem can not be solved in a particular level, think of the next level.”
uNithish, another student from MIT, wanted to know why the reservation system introduced by Ambedkar 60 years ago for about 30 years, is being continued even till date.
“We should think of how to increase the number of educational institutions. Today for many reasons, we restrict the number of educational institutions. There is a need to expand education system in a dramatic way as there is no lack of funds. My concern is how to expand educational institutions so that it reaches everybody.”
Before concluding the session, Mr Gandhi said that he was interested in making fundamental changes.
  “I have much more deeper understanding of politics than I had 4 years ago, when I joined politics. I am in the business of respecting your thoughts and ideas.”