Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with 1,100 collegians at Vile Parle’s Bhaidas Hall impressed the youth so much that many began thinking of joining politics. Gandhi disarmed the crowd at the outset, saying, “I am from Delhi, my father was from Mumbai, grandmother from Uttar Pradesh, great grandfather from Jammu & Kashmir, and mother from Italy. Now tell me, am I a Delhi-ite, Mumbaikar, or Indian?”
The answer that was roared back was obvious, enough to put an end to the controversy that preceded Gandhi’s arrival in the city. No question was asked thereafter about ‘right over Mumbai’.
When some students addressed Gandhi as Sir and Rahulji, the Congress general secretary stressed that he preferred to be called by his first name. Excerpts from the thirty-minute interaction:
Why should we choose the Youth Congress over other parties?
The Congress represents every caste, creed, and religion, unlike other communal parties. Only our party allows workers to grow based on their talent and ability.The enrolment drive and subsequent internal elections will offer opportunities to all those interested and with potential.
You are talking about youth and promotion of sports, but how can an 81-year old sports minister [MS Gill] lead us on this front?
I agree with your views, but the decision of allocating portfolios is taken by my higher-ups. I will take the issue up to prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Why have we not been able to perform satisfactorily in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games? China is better than us at organising such events.
I don’t want to compare our country with China. India is the best. We are putting everything in place in preparation for the Games.
Despite hockey being our national game, cricket gets more limelight...
That’s because of the support it gets from the people. But the government is certainly trying to bring back its glory.
Is something missing in our higher education, causing students to move to other countries?
I don’t think our country lags behind in any aspect of higher education. After all, those students return to India after studies.
Gandhi asked how many students had a political background and less than 10 hands were raised. When he asked how many wanted to join politics, almost 70% raised their hands though some remained sceptical.
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