News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd August 2024
During his two-day visit to Srinagar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took time on Thursday to meet with a delegation of students from Jammu and Kashmir. The students, representing various colleges and universities, reached out to Gandhi with a pressing request: to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students across the country. This meeting, held at the hotel where Gandhi was staying, marked a significant moment in his ongoing engagement with the issues affecting the Union Territory.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association, which facilitated the interaction, highlighted that the discussion with Gandhi covered a wide array of student-centric concerns specific to the region. These issues are especially important given the unique challenges that students from Jammu and Kashmir often face while pursuing their education in different parts of India.
The delegation’s primary concern was the safety of Kashmiri students nationwide, a matter that has been a source of anxiety for both students and their families. Gandhi, recognizing the gravity of these concerns, assured the students of his full support. He committed to raising their issues in Parliament, promising to bring national attention to the difficulties they encounter. His assurance was a significant gesture, as it offered the students a sense of hope that their voices would be heard at the highest levels of government.
Gandhi’s interaction with the students was described as productive and encouraging by the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association. The students expressed their satisfaction with the meeting, noting that Gandhi not only listened to their concerns but also engaged with them on a personal level. He went beyond the usual political rhetoric, making phone calls to the family members and guardians of several students present at the meeting. During these calls, he inquired about their well-being and asked about the students’ academic and professional progress, showing a genuine interest in their lives.
In a further display of familial solidarity, Gandhi made a video call to his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during the meeting. The students had the opportunity to interact with her, adding a personal touch to the encounter. This interaction underscored the Gandhi family’s commitment to staying connected with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the younger generation who represent the future of the region.
The meeting between Rahul Gandhi and the students is seen as a continuation of his efforts to engage with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. His visit to the Union Territory comes at a time when the region is navigating through a period of significant change and uncertainty. By listening to the concerns of students and pledging to advocate for their safety and well-being, Gandhi has reaffirmed his role as a leader who is deeply concerned with the issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gandhi’s promise to take these concerns to Parliament is likely to resonate with many in the region who have long felt marginalized and unheard. His proactive approach in reaching out to the students and their families suggests that he is committed to being a voice for those who often find themselves on the periphery of national discussions. As the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, his support for the students of Jammu and Kashmir carries significant weight and could potentially lead to meaningful actions being taken to address their concerns.
