Questions Disturbances at AI Summit
TNR News Network
Shimla
BJP Himachal Pradesh Social Media Co-Convenor and Arni University alumnus Shrey Awasthi has written an emotional yet hard-hitting open letter to his college-time senior and Indian Youth Congress Chief Uday Bhanu Chib, expressing deep disappointment over the disturbances created during the recent AI Summit.
In his letter, Awasthi clarified that he was not writing to the President of the Indian Youth Congress, but to the mentor and senior he looked up to during his Btech days (2009–2013) at Arni University. “I learned discipline and progressive thinking under his guidance in 2011. That is why what I witnessed at the AI Summit disturbed me deeply,” Awasthi stated.
Calling the protest during an international level summit “misplaced and damaging to India’s global image,” Awasthi questioned why Youth Congress leaders chose a global platform—where international delegates and media were present—to stage disruptions. “Democratic protest is a right, but timing and platform matter. An international AI forum is meant to showcase India’s innovation and youth potential, not internal political chaos,” he said.
Awasthi also objected strongly to the use of terms like “compromised Prime Minister” during the protests. “Political disagreement is acceptable, but lowering the dignity of the Prime Minister on an international stage sends a wrong message about India to the world,” he remarked.
He emphasized that Artificial Intelligence represents opportunity, innovation, and employment for India’s youth. “AI is not a threat—it is the future. When young leaders oppose such initiatives without constructive alternatives, it confuses and discourages aspirational youth,” Awasthi added.
Maintaining a respectful tone for his former mentor, Awasthi said, “I still consider him my senior and role model. That is why this letter is emotional. I did not expect such conduct from someone who once taught us discipline, ethics, and progressive work.”
Concluding his note, Awasthi urged Chib to introspect and place national interest above partisan politics. “Opposition should be strong, but it should never overshadow India’s reputation on a global stage,” he said.
The letter has sparked political discussion, highlighting the debate over the balance between democratic dissent and national representation at international forums.
