Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday told a youth delegation from Chhattisgarh that no examination or competition can ever be worth more than a human life, expressing deep concern over young people falling into depression or ending their lives after failing to clear exams, and urging them to remember that failure is simply a gateway to success and not a reason to give up.
The LG was interacting with students participating in Yuva Sangam Phase VI at Lok Niwas. The delegation, comprising students from diverse academic backgrounds including fine arts, commerce, science, and technology, is visiting Delhi under the programme led by IIT Bhilai and hosted by IIT Delhi.
Responding to questions from students on leadership, public service, and his experiences as a diplomat, Sandhu said India’s youthful population presents an unprecedented opportunity for growth and innovation that most ageing developed nations do not have. He said the country’s demographic advantage can only be converted into lasting strength if young people continuously identify, nurture, and enhance their skills. “India’s demographic dividend can become its greatest strength when young people continuously identify, nurture, and enhance their skills. Success begins with self-reflection and a clear understanding of one’s strengths and aspirations. Do not be afraid of failure, as it is an integral part of every journey of growth and achievement. What is important is to remain resilient, keep learning, and never give up,” Sandhu said.
On the question of students taking extreme steps after examination failure, the LG was direct. He said this is completely wrong and must not happen. No exam or competition can ever be more valuable than life itself, he told the students. On technology, Sandhu emphasised that the future belongs not to those who understand Artificial Intelligence in theory but to those who can implement it practically in the real world. He said AI cannot function independently and that human presence and guidance will always be essential to run and manage it. He called on students to master the technology-machine-human synergy and use it for the betterment of society.
He also highlighted emerging opportunities in sectors such as religious tourism, encouraging the youth to identify areas capable of generating employment, strengthening local economies, and creating sustainable impact.
Yuva Sangam is a flagship youth exchange programme under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative of the Ministry of Education. It is built around five pillars: tourism, traditions, development, people-to-people connections, and technology.