“Rahul Gandhi is fearless and has the courage of conviction”

Rahul Gandhi’s election as Congress president, is a momentous occasion in the eventful journey of his life marked by tragedies and joys, setbacks and successes. He has succeeded his charismatic mother, Sonia Gandhi, who accepted the challenging task to lead the Congress when it was weak, adrift and rudderless. She provided exemplary leadership and has been an inspirational influence for Rahul in his formative years. As president, he has stepped into the shoes of many illustrious leaders and stalwarts of the Freedom struggle and builders of modern India.

He has accepted the office in a challenging atmosphere. Hopes of the masses have been belied and an environment of fear, insecurity and distrust has engulfed our country. It is therefore obvious, that a question was asked in the media, political circles and civil society whether he can measure up to the responsibility. Can he bring about a transformative change in the Congress to fight and defeat our ideological opponents? The answer to both these questions is an emphatic yes. Rahul Gandhi brings with him a rich legacy and abiding commitment, to the cherished values of the National movement and the idea of India as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and Maulana Azad. His vitality and the freshness of his presence resurrect hope. It promises a politics of decency that will restore the dignity of political debate in India.

That makes Rahul Gandhi different and special. My mind is flooded with emotions as I recall few memories of his growing up years. Those days, it was easy for younger party activists like me to gain access to 1, Akbar Road. My earliest impressions are of Rahul as a young boy, energetic and playful, growing up in the happy home of his doting grandmother, Indira Gandhi. The Prime Minister’s grandson easily connected with those around him, especially the staff and security people to play badminton or cricket. He treated all as friends and equals. After the tragic assassination of Indiraji at a tender young age, his life changed. That surely left a deep void in his mind. Unlike other young teenagers, he was denied the carefree freedom so precious for the youth due to concerns over security. Once as I came out of 7, Race Course Road, after meeting Rajiv Gandhi, I saw a young boy rushing towards the reception chased by Rahul who was athletically leaping over hedges to catch up with his friend. It was to retrieve a can of deodorant spray which his friend had taken without his consent. That was childhood innocence. After tragically losing his beloved father when he was barely 21, Rahul, along with his mother and sister Priyanka, bravely came to terms with the irreparable loss. Their close bonding provided the strength to move forward with a sense of purpose in life. I only saw him on a few occasions. He was forlorn and withdrawn. A meaningful interaction was only when he was pursuing a degree in international relations from Rollins college. We discussed the Congress party’s historical engagement with Africa. He was inquisitive about the Congress’ support to the liberation movements and the party’s proactive solidarity with the Anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa. His openness and humility left a deep imprint on my mind.

After his return to Delhi and election to Lok Sabha in 2004, I occasionally met him to exchange views on issues of shared interests and concerns. He has inherited and nurtured humane values and compassion, my own experiences have informed me. Once when he noticed me sweating and struggling to breathe, he was concerned upon learning that I had asthma, he talked of regular use of inhalers and also air purifier that helps his mother who is also asthmatic. He generously offered sending his physiotherapist recently when I suffered an excruciating back sprain. A year ago when he learnt about the Stem Cell Therapy that our young autistic son Gyan was undergoing, he touched our hearts with his concerned queries and reassuring messages. Over the years, I have seen him evolve as a leader, who is committed to the country and the cause of the poor and the downtrodden. He genuinely respects human dignity.

Rahul Gandhi shares many qualities with his ancestors, Pandit Nehru, Indiraji and his parents Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi. He has the courage of conviction and is fearless. Targeted and vicious campaigns to create a negative perception of him have failed to distract or demoralise Rahul Gandhi. At a critical juncture in our history, when the foundational values of Indian republic are under sustained assault, he, as the president of Indian National Congress, has the credentials and ability to lead the fight to take back the India that was bequeathed to us by the founding fathers who gave us freedom and an inclusive constitutional democracy.