Rahul Gandhi Urges Students to Question, Explore and Protect Democracy at Chennai ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Programme
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Dated 10th October 2026
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
Chief Political Editor
Chennai | Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addressed students and other participants at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Echo of Students) programme held at Island Ground in Chennai on October 10. He stressed the importance of curiosity, questioning, education, Tamil Nadu’s language and culture, and the need to protect democratic values.
Dr. B. R. Abdul Wajid Interacts with Participants
Before the programme began, The Deccan Front’s Chief Political Editor, Dr. B. R. Abdul Wajid, interacted with several people present at the venue in Chennai.
During the interaction, the participants expressed their support for Rahul Gandhi and said they hoped he would become the next Prime Minister of India.
They said they were confident in his leadership and appreciated what they described as his efforts as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They also expressed the view that he was concerned about the issues faced by students, employees, labourers, farmers and other sections of society.
The participants said they hoped his efforts would succeed and that his work for the people would bring positive results.
VIDEO | Interacting with the participants before the program at the venue | Source : The Deccan Front.
A grand welcome to Rahul Gandhi at the stage, addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said it was an honour to be in Tamil Nadu, adding that he always learns from the wisdom of its people. Referring to social reformer Periyar and Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, he highlighted the importance of independent thinking and continuous learning.
VIDEO | Highlights of the event | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Quoting Periyar, Rahul Gandhi said people should not follow anything simply because someone else had said it, but should analyse and question everything. Referring to Thiruvalluvar’s teachings, he said that just as digging deeper into the sand brings more water, learning more brings greater knowledge.
“The heart of a student is curiosity,” Rahul Gandhi said, adding that curiosity gives students the power to question, explore, imagine and choose. He said language, culture, tradition, history and the land they belong to form the foundation of their curiosity.
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attacking Tamil Nadu’s language, history and culture. He said the state’s identity and traditions must be protected.
Criticising the Centre’s policies, Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over language imposition, education funding, NEET, the functioning of state universities and the proposed delimitation exercise.
He accused the BJP-led government of using hatred, fear, anger and division as political tools and alleged that these approaches were damaging Indian democracy.
Emphasising the connection between education and democracy, Rahul Gandhi said curiosity was essential for progress and that every achievement began with a question.
He said questioning was at the heart of human progress and that democracy itself emerged from the ability of people to ask questions.
“Democracy is your right to ask questions,” he said, adding that the Constitution protects this right and voting gives people the opportunity to seek answers from those who govern them.
According to Rahul Gandhi, an attack on curiosity was also an attack on democracy. He urged students to continue questioning, exploring and forming their own opinions rather than allowing fear to limit their thinking.
VIDEO | Highlights of the event | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.
Addressing students, Rahul Gandhi assured them of his support and urged them not to be afraid. He called for accountability over what he described as attacks on democratic institutions and alleged attempts to manipulate elections.
He named Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while making allegations concerning democratic institutions and elections.
Rahul Gandhi said those responsible for wrongdoing should face justice. He also encouraged students, including those in Delhi, to stand up for their beliefs and never stop asking questions.
He alleged that the government was suppressing voices and referred to reports of restrictions, police action against students and violence during events in New Delhi. He further claimed that financial and international forces were influencing the Prime Minister and said the political situation was becoming increasingly challenging for him.
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
“The Chennai’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme highlighted the importance of students’ participation in public life, the freedom to question and the role of education in shaping society. Rahul Gandhi’s address focused on curiosity, constitutional rights and democratic accountability, while participants at the venue shared their expectations and views about his political leadership.”
~ News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
