Elvish Yadav’s UPSC Pep Talk Sparks Criticism: “This Country is Doomed”
The Controversial Speech
Popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav recently delivered a motivational speech to a group of successful UPSC aspirants at a felicitation event. The video of his address went viral online, drawing sharp reactions from social media users, many of whom questioned his credibility to guide India’s future bureaucrats.
In his speech, Yadav shared that his mother once wanted him to pursue the UPSC but he declined due to the rigorous demands of preparation. He also claimed that his mother believed his kundli (horoscope) destined him to become an IAS officer (Indian Express).
Netizens Push Back
The online reaction was largely negative, with many users questioning the decision to invite Yadav as a motivational speaker at such a serious academic event. Social media platforms were filled with sarcastic comments like “This country is doomed” and “Why him?”.
Critics highlighted several concerns:
- Credibility Gap: Yadav has no background in civil services or academia. Many argued that UPSC toppers, bureaucrats, or subject experts would have been more fitting choices.
- Mismatch of Context: UPSC aspirants undergo years of grueling preparation. Critics felt Yadav’s celebrity status and social media controversies make him an odd fit to mentor or inspire them (Siasat).
- Risk of Trivialization: The speech was seen as reducing the seriousness of UPSC achievements to mere community pride and entertainment spectacle.
Some users also pointed to Yadav’s previous controversies, questioning whether someone with such a background should be held up as a role model in academic or professional spaces.
A Divided Response
While much of the internet mocked the event, some voices defended the idea of inviting unconventional figures. Supporters argue that aspirants can take inspiration from anyone, and even celebrities can bring encouragement through their journeys of struggle and success.
A report by India Today noted that the debate reflects wider questions about who gets to address aspirants in public forums, and whether popularity is being valued over relevance (India Today).
Bigger Picture
This controversy underscores a larger trend: the growing infiltration of celebrity and influencer culture into spaces traditionally reserved for academic achievement. For many, this democratizes inspiration. But for others, it risks diluting the seriousness of India’s most prestigious exam.
The backlash also shows how social media acts as a gatekeeper, quickly calling out perceived mismatches between audience expectations and speaker credentials.
Conclusion
Elvish Yadav’s speech to UPSC aspirants has triggered more controversy than motivation. Whether this signals a broader cultural shift—where entertainment and education increasingly collide—or simply a misstep in choosing the right speaker, one thing is clear: for UPSC aspirants and the wider public, credibility matters as much as inspiration.
