What Did Rahul Gandhi Learn from Oommen Chandy?

Kottayam, July 18 (NationPress) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered an emotional tribute to the late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, reflecting on their 21-year connection and how much he has learned from him.

The tribute took place on the second anniversary of Chandy's passing, in the courtyard of the renowned St George Orthodox Church, Puthupally, where Chandy rests in a specially constructed grave.

Despite the rain, the venue was filled with Chandy's supporters and admirers.

Rahul Gandhi began his visit by lighting a candle at the tomb to honor the leader.

He later approached the gathering with a solemn demeanor and delivered a moving tribute.

In his speech, he shared his experiences in politics since 2004, reflecting on his interactions with various politicians.

“Over time, I realized that it's not about how eloquently a politician speaks; what truly matters is their genuine connection to the issues at hand. Authentic emotions stem from within and are expressed through humility,” he stated.

“Throughout my 21 years in politics, Oommen Chandy was one of the true masters in understanding the people. I witnessed his dedication to the people of Kerala firsthand. I recall the Joda Yatra, where many told me Chandy wouldn’t be able to walk. When I suggested he shouldn’t, he insisted on walking. I had to gently urge him to walk just a short distance,” recounted Rahul.

“Chandy represented more than just an individual; he embodied the essence of Kerala politics, and I aspire to nurture more leaders like him,” added the Congress leader.

“I must emphasize how much I learned from him. He endured some of the most ruthless political attacks, which were nothing short of criminal. It's noteworthy that he never spoke with anger towards anyone. He consistently maintained a balanced and humble approach, dedicated to serving the people of Kerala. His initiative for the hearing-impaired was never about gaining votes; it was driven by his compassion for those in need,” he elaborated.

Rahul Gandhi presented hearing aids to three children and handed keys to new homes to twelve individuals, an initiative supported by the Oommen Chandy Foundation.

He expressed his opposition to the ideologies of the RSS and CPI(M). “I challenge and contest them in the arena of ideas through my speeches. However, my greatest criticism is that they lack genuine empathy for the people,” Gandhi asserted.

“To be a true leader, one must connect with the populace, touch their hearts, and embrace them. The unfortunate reality in Indian politics is that many leaders fail to empathize with the people,” he continued.

“It is a privilege for me to speak about Chandy today. In India, we have a term, Guru. A guru is not just a teacher who imparts knowledge; a guru is one who guides others through their actions and sets a path through their deeds. In many ways, Chandy served as my guru, demonstrating the way not merely through words but through his heartfelt actions,” Gandhi expressed.

“When his son reached out to me, I felt it was a privilege to inaugurate this event. I hope to see many young individuals in Kerala follow in Chandy’s footsteps. I miss him dearly; he would always occupy the seat beside me whenever I visited,” Rahul remarked.

Chandy passed away on July 18, 2023, in Bengaluru while receiving treatment for throat cancer. Following his death, his body was transported from his residence in the state capital to his hometown in Puthupally, a journey that took over 30 hours across a distance of 130 kilometers, as thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects.

His legacy as a legislator from the Puthupally Assembly constituency began in 1970 and continued until his death, a remarkable 53-year tenure that is unlikely to be surpassed. The overwhelming turnout of admirers and leaders at the tribute event underscored that Chandy remains alive in the hearts of many.