Rahul Gandhi found himself fielding an array of questions from female students during his visit to Jaipur's Maharani College. These questions encompassed a wide range of topics, from his personal skincare routine and culinary preferences to the perennial inquiry about his marital status. Gandhi, the 53-year-old former Congress president, addressed these inquiries with grace and candor, and a video capturing this interaction was subsequently shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday.
When one young woman queried, "You are so smart and good-looking... why have you not thought about marriage?" Gandhi swiftly replied, "Because I am completely entangled in my work and in the Congress party."
Another topic of curiosity was his favorite cuisine, to which Gandhi humorously responded that he is content with almost any dish except for bitter gourd, peas, and spinach. As for his preferred travel destination, he expressed a preference for "anywhere I have not gone," emphasizing his love for exploring new places.
Intriguingly, the discussion also delved into Gandhi's skincare routine. His response may have surprised some, as he stated that he refrains from using cream or soap on his face and simply washes it with water.
Gandhi's interaction extended to more serious subjects as well. He highlighted the significant role played by women in the freedom struggle, asserting that their contributions were on par with those of men, and thus, they should not be deprived of their rights.
The conversation touched upon the importance of financial independence for women. Gandhi emphasized that women often lack adequate education about money matters and how power operates. He posed the question of why women aren't taught these essential financial concepts during their years of schooling.
He articulated, "If a woman has a job but does not understand money, that won't work. If a woman doesn't have a job but understands money, that is a powerful thing. If women don't understand these things, then they are always dependent on a man who either has a job or understands these things."
Gandhi's engagement with the students also included lighthearted moments. He was reminded of a popular meme featuring him uttering the phrase, "Khatam, tata, bye-bye." In response, he explained that sometimes one must employ such expressions. With a nod to his team, he suggested they were encouraging him to conclude the interaction and humorously declared, "Khatam, tata, bye-bye."
The students inquired about his alternate career choice if he were not a politician. To this, he offered, "I'm actually many things. I am a teacher. I teach youngsters...I am a cook. So, I am multiple things. That is a complicated thing to put across."
This event was part of Gandhi's ongoing efforts to engage with diverse segments of society. He embarked on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and continues to interact with various social groups, including mechanics, porters, students, and carpenters. His recent visit to Ladakh also underscored his commitment to engaging with different communities and understanding their concerns.
Â
