New Delhi: Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that while there are rapid social, economic and technological changes taking place around the world, India is on a crossroads as it is faced with extreme inequality and unemployment.

Addressing the ‘Commencement Event’ of the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows Program at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi on August 23, 2025, where 50 fellows from different professional backgrounds were inducted after being awarded the fellows, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge underlined the role of professionals in helping to bring social justice in the country. He said, the Congress has always encouraged and supported the professionals, citing Dr. Manmohan Singh and Rajiv Gandhi as prime examples.

Recalling his association with Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri Kharge said, he talked less and worked more. “Today’s PM talks more and works less”, he remarked while noting that Dr. Singh always used to be present in the House during Parliament sessions. He said that he would reply to questions and respond to opposition. The Congress President said that not even ten percent of the work has been done during the last eleven years as compared to the work done during ten years of Dr. Singh. “Well-educated and knowledgeable leaders focus more on their work; they don’t pay much attention to publicity”, he remarked.

He said, during the 2008 global economic crisis, Dr. Singh not only successfully saved the country’s economy but ensured 8 percent GDP growth. Congress President said, “Today India stands at a crossroads where on one hand, social, economic and technological changes are taking place rapidly and on the other hand, unemployment and inequality have reached their peak. Democratic institutions are being captured and attacked. The current politics is less about work and more about show and propaganda. In such times, professionals like you need to come forward”.

He said, in post-1990 era, during the UPA rule, the Congress—under the leadership of Ms. Sonia Gandhi and with the help of professionals— brought various revolutionary laws like the Right to Information, MGNREGA, Food Security Act and Forest Rights Act. He said that digitisation and Direct Benefit Transfer schemes were launched during that period and farmers were provided Rs. 70,000 crore loan-waiver.

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge noted that in the freedom struggle, professionals and intellectuals had a great role. When the Party was founded, it included lawyers, teachers, doctors, engineers, scientists, and officers, he said while pointing out how leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Sarojini Naidu and hundreds of others gave up their professional careers to join the freedom struggle.

He further said, “The journey of politics is not easy. It requires patience and a strong belief in change, but remember, your work can change the lives of millions of people and carry forward the legacy of building ‘Modern India’.

Congratulating the 50 fellows chosen from over 1,300 applicants, Shri Kharge expressed hope that they will not only carry forward the legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh, but also help in bringing change in people’s lives.

The event was presided over by Shri Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of the All-India Professional Congress and attended by several senior leaders of the Party.