Gandhi carefully listened to speakers. He also participated in the discussion, making his points on the challenges that rural India faces.
Gandhi family scion and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is generally clad in his trademark white kurta-pajama. But, on Tuesday, he was sartorially different.
Wearing a blue check shirt, dark blue trouser, black chappals and sporting a casually grown beard, he visited the Indian Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) on its invitation to participate in a two-day consultation.
The topic of consultation was “The Challenges of Negotiating India’s Rural Transformation: Evolving strategies for IRMA’s Response”.
A number of eminent people from across the country were invited for the consultation. These include member of Planning Commission, professors from institutes like JNU, TISS, University of Mumbai and other research institutes, and representatives of non-government voluntary organisations working in the area of rural development.
One of the participants said that the discussion focused on the situation of agriculture in India and the role of IRMA. The old model of agriculture in the country and the present model of development came in for discussion.
“During discussions, Rahul Gandhi listened very carefully. It seems he is a good listener. He also participated in discussions and made some important points too.
He talked about migration to urban areas from rural areas and migrant groups,” said a participant.
IRMA director Vivek Bhandari said the seminar has been organised to discuss the rural challenges ahead of India. “We had invited foremost policy-makers, academicians and thinkers, and I am happy that they came together and deliberated the issues (rural challenge),” he said. IRMA had invited Rahul Gandhi as he takes deep interest in the challenges and opportunities facing rural India, he added.
The prime objective of the consultation is to study the challenges and opportunities that confront India’s rural sector. An understanding of these issues will help IRMA evolve a strategic roadmap for its long-term future.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit plan was kept confidential. Most state Congress leaders didn’t knew of his visit.
—With inputs from Niyati Rana
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