Mangalore, Mar. 26: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi today said it was the responsibility of the youth to ensure the unity of the nation.

Interacting with members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) in the coastal city of Mangalore on the second day of his five-day road show, Gandhi lamented that the feeling of unity is missing from the hearts and minds of the people.

“Uttar Pradesh, from where I come, is one of the biggest states in the country, but people there are not united. It is very easy to divide people, but to unite them is a mammoth task. Division is easy, but it leads to irreparable destruction,” he cautioned.

He further said that the present and future of India depended on how “we look at the outside world.”

“India has always been strong enough to deal with the rest of the world and has enough confidence to take up newer challenges,” he added.

He advised the students not to be bogged down by fear, but to move ahead with confidence.

During the interaction, many students raised questions about politics. He replied to them with exceptional intelligence, but avoided making political promises.

Every answer of his was an indication of his vision for the country’s holistic development.

Journalists covering the road show had a tough time convincing the Special Protection Group about being allowed access to Gandhi’s various interactions. In fact, they staged a protest demonstration, and were only mollified when Rahul came out and spoke to them.

Senior state leaders like Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes and Janardhana Poojary and others were present during the interactions. (ANI)