The India AI Impact Summit became a battleground for politics as Youth Congress’s aggressive protest drew unanimous condemnation from exhibitors. In a city buzzing with tech optimism, the shirtless intrusion at Bharat Mandapam was branded a ‘disgraceful’ attempt to derail progress.
India’s push in artificial intelligence was the star of the show, but protesters shifted focus to grievances on jobs, inflation, and international deals. Their method – barging in topless and shouting – stunned attendees.
A vocal exhibitor captured the mood: ‘Country’s youth eye the future, but Congress drags us 100 years back.’ A UP educator invoked old criminal gangs, advocating disciplined protest at approved sites. He lauded the event’s scale, crediting PM Modi’s hands-on approach.
Event comparisons underscored the point: G20 shone brightly, Commonwealth Games mired in graft where cheap goods were inflated outrageously. Like a family uniting for a wedding, this summit demanded harmony – shattered by the disruption.
Post-protest, Youth Congress posted Gandhi photos online, framing their act as principled. Yet, the fallout lingers, questioning protest ethics in flagship events. With AI set to transform India, such antics risk undermining global perceptions.
Exhibitors urge channeling energy constructively. The summit presses on, a testament to resilience amid political crossfire.