‘New Disease Among Children’: V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar on Students Going Abroad

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has raised alarms about the rising trend of Indian students studying abroad, labeling it a detrimental "forex drain and brain drain" for the country. Speaking in Rajasthan, he criticized the commodification of education, stating it undermines quality. He urged institutions to better inform students about domestic opportunities, highlighting the potential benefits of investing the USD 6 billion spent abroad into local education. Dhankhar called for corporate support in nurturing educational growth, stressing that education should be viewed as a societal responsibility rather than a profit-driven business.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed deep concerns regarding the increasing trend of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, labeling it a "forex drain and brain drain" that detrimentally affects India's economy and educational landscape. Speaking at an event in Sikar, Rajasthan, Dhankhar criticized the commodification of education, which he believes has led to a decline in quality as institutions prioritize profit.

He described the allure of studying abroad as a "new disease," noting that many students are drawn to this path without adequately researching their chosen institutions or the countries they plan to study in. He remarked, "There is another new disease among children—that of going abroad," highlighting the lack of critical assessment in students' decisions.

Dhankhar cited estimates indicating that around 1.3 million Indian students are expected to study abroad in 2024, costing the nation approximately USD 6 billion in foreign exchange. He urged educational institutions to educate students about available opportunities in India, stating that if this amount were invested in improving domestic educational infrastructure, it could significantly enhance the sector's quality.

Additionally, Dhankhar called on educational institutions and industry leaders to expose students to a broader spectrum of career options beyond the limited fields they typically pursue. He lamented that youth often chase only a handful of job types, despite the expanding range of opportunities available in various sectors.

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The Vice President emphasized the importance of nurturing education as a societal responsibility rather than a commercial enterprise. He urged corporate entities to utilize their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to support educational initiatives, reinforcing that a partnership between industry and educational institutions is vital for national progress.