Study, Make Friends, and Rebuild: Rahul Gandhi’s Uplifting Message to Kashmir’s Youth

Jammu & Kashmir 24 May 2025: Recently, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi embarked on a visit to a school in Poonch, Kashmir, where he interacted with students who have been affected by Pakistan’s cross-border shelling. The visit was a part of his efforts to understand the ground realities in the region and to extend a message of hope to the youth. During his interaction with the students, Gandhi encouraged them to focus on their studies, play, and make friends, reassuring them that normalcy would return soon.

Gandhi’s visit to the school was seen as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Kashmir, particularly the youth who have been impacted by the region’s turmoil. The Congress leader took the opportunity to engage with the students, listening to their concerns and sharing his vision for a brighter future. He emphasized the importance of education and social connections in rebuilding their lives.

“Study hard, play, and make friends,” Gandhi told the students. “Life will return to normal soon.” These words of encouragement were well-received by the students, who appreciated the Congress leader’s willingness to listen and offer support.

However, while Gandhi’s message was seen as a hopeful gesture, social media users had a different focus. Many urged him to listen to his party colleague, Shashi Tharoor, who had recently spoken about the importance of Indians speaking with clarity and conviction regarding the horrendous crisis India faced due to terrorism.

Tharoor, who was selected by the BJP-led Centre to lead an all-party delegation to the US and four other nations, had emphasized the need for India to present a strong stance internationally following the Pahalgam terror attack. His remarks gained traction online, with netizens suggesting that Gandhi should align his messaging with Tharoor’s diplomatic approach.

Tharoor’s comments on the need for a strong international stance against terrorism resonated with many Indians who are concerned about the country’s security. As a seasoned diplomat and politician, Tharoor’s views on the matter carry significant weight.

In his remarks, Tharoor highlighted the importance of presenting a united front against terrorism, both domestically and internationally. He emphasized that India needs to speak with clarity and conviction on this issue, making it clear that terrorism will not be tolerated.

The online discourse surrounding Gandhi’s visit and Tharoor’s comments highlights the political divide in India, particularly when it comes to national security concerns. The public’s expectations from opposition leaders like Gandhi are high, and many are calling for a more robust response to terrorism.

As the country’s political landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Gandhi and Tharoor are under scrutiny to present a strong and united front against terrorism. The debate surrounding their approaches underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a nuanced and effective response.

Gandhi’s visit to Kashmir was not just about offering words of encouragement; it was also about understanding the region’s unique challenges. The Congress leader’s engagement with the students and local communities highlights the need for sustained efforts to rebuild and restore normalcy in the region.

Rebuilding Kashmir will require a long-term commitment to education, economic development, and social welfare. It will also necessitate a strong and effective response to terrorism, one that addresses the root causes of the problem and presents a united front against extremist ideologies.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kashmir and the subsequent online discourse highlight the complexities of India’s national security concerns. While Gandhi’s message of hope and resilience was well-received, the calls for diplomatic clarity and a strong stance against terrorism underscore the need for a nuanced and effective response.

As India navigates these challenges, leaders like Gandhi and Tharoor will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s response. The debate surrounding their approaches serves as a reminder of the importance of a united and robust stance against terrorism, both domestically and internationally.