Rahul Gandhi strikes chord with the youth in Meghalaya

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday striking an emotional chord with the youth in Meghalaya appealed to them to help his party build a "better Meghalaya". Rahul Gandhi was addressing an election rally at Nongpoh three days before Meghalaya goes to the polls on February 23.

"I would appeal to the youth who can work with the people and for a better Meghalaya to come and join the party. When I see the youths of the region working in Delhi and Bangalore, I feel nice. They are working there because they are capable and can compete with the best," he said.

The youth acknowledged the appeal by the Congress leader with cheers. Earlier, while campaigning, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had highlighted the economic gains made by the state in the past five years and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had touched on local issues like illegal mining and illegal migration.

Rahul Gandhi said even though Congress has capable leaders, it needs to produce the next generation of leaders from different states to take the country forward. He also addressed election meetings at Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills and Williamnagar in East Garo Hills.

Rahul Gandhi in Meghalaya exhorts the youth to join politics

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi  while addressing Congress rallies in Meghalaya urged the youth to join politics to eradicate corruption and to improve the country. "Corruption is an issue in the whole country and we have to ensure that we remove it from the political system. That is why it is so important that new young faces come into the political scene," said Rahul Gandhi.

"I am in politics for many years but I am not happy with the way politics works. There are many things we can improve," Rahul Gandhi said and added: "If we really want to change politics, then we have to bring youngsters into the political system. Youngsters who are sensitive to the views of the common man, youngsters who feel the pain of the poor person, youngsters who suffer when they see a bad road, youngsters who suffer when they see that their people do not have the medical facility they need."

The newly appointed Congress Vice President also said "It is only when we open the doors of politics, and bring in these youngsters, that politics will really change. And I see many of those youngsters in this ground and I want you to enter into the political system". He said that Congress does not believe in favouring one community or one group of people. "We believe in helping everybody, in moving everybody together forward. If we want to really move this forward, if we want development, we need to think about empowering local government and the local people," said Rahul Gandhi.

Praising Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Rahul Gandhi said: "He is a hard working person and he thinks about the future of your state and you have your government in Delhi which is also a Congress government, which wants to support the growth of Meghalaya. I want both these governments to work together to bring massive developments to the state." "There are large amounts of money sent from Delhi to the state, and we need to ensure that that money gets to the people. Rajiv Gandhi used to say that for every one rupee that is sent, 15 paise reached the last person. We need to change that so that our people can benefit."

Rahul Gandhi visits Odisha, holds talks with grass root Congress leaders

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi concluded his two-day visit to Odisha on Tuesday with a warning to those trying to disrupt party unity. He interacted with Congress leaders at all levers from top to bottom.

Rahul exhorted partymen to work unitedly to bring the party back to power in the State. He offered a   3-point solution to improve the party’s prospects: offering tickets in time, bringing in unity and empowering grassroots leaders. Addressing party leaders in Cuttack, the Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress has a healthy vote share of about 30 per cent in the State and it requires discipline and unity to ensure a victory in the next elections. After meeting officials of the party in the State for two days, Rahul Gandhi said he was aware that a few individuals are unnecessarily trying to create indiscipline and disunity weakening the party and that he would take ‘’strict disciplinary action’’ against such disruptive activities.

The visit comes at an opportune time when the BJD Government is desperately trying to counter anti-incumbency and internal dissension in the party by announcing many populist schemes. In fact, Rahul Gandhi criticised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for ‘falsely claiming’ different programmes and schemes as his own. The BJD Government is using the funds provided by the Congress Government at the Centre for launching the schemes. The people of Odisha are aware of the scheming of the BJD and will give an apt reply in the elections, Rahul told mediapersons as he wound up his two-day visit to the State here.

The Congress scion addressed the Extended State Executive of Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasising on discipline and unity within the party. The two days have been very eventful. The meetings with the panchayat, block and district functionaries have given a clear picture on the state of affairs here, he said. “The party organisation surely is short of discipline which needs to be addressed. I do not have a magic wand but the Congress sure has the power to absorb the shocks and take a course correction’’, he stressed. Speaking on the outcome of the two-day visit, OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik said Rahul Gandhi has a clear vision for the party in the State. “He has given his advice on resurrecting the organisation and  we will be working towards implementing them at the earliest’’, Niranjan said.

Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh said the extended executive committee was highly successful. “Rahul has laid a roadmap for us to follow and achieve the goals,” party leaders  indicated.

Centre is serious to tackle immigration issues in Meghalaya: Sonia Gandhi

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday while addressing election rallies in the poll bound Meghalaya said that the Centre and the state government are seized of the problems of immigration and illegal mining which are core issues of the people in the state.

"The governments both at the Centre and the state are engaged in talks with Bangladesh to see how to stem illegal immigration and I am hopeful that we will reach a solution to the satisfaction of all sides," said Sonia Gandhi at an election meeting at the Kiang Nangbah College ground in the state.

"I am also aware that illegal mining is a threat to the environment...I must say some measures have already been taken and we will continue to do so in our efforts," said Sonia Gandhi. Noting that Meghalaya was one of the fastest growing states, she said it excelled not only in development, but also in administration.

"In many ways Meghalaya has grown far more rapidly than most other states in the North East and perhaps in the country," Sonia Gandhi said. The Congress president spoke on improvement of sports activities and infrastructure in the state.

Sonia Gandhi added, "We also have not forgotten our farmers. They have received financial support and we will continue to implement our agricultural development schemes especially for the marginal farmers of the state." Stating that the February 23 election was of great significance, Sonia Gandhi said, it allowed the people to judge "how we, as a party, helped the people realise many of their expectations". "We are always mindful of the expectations and aspirations of the people and we do not intend to rest on our laurels. Having been in power has not rendered us complacent," said the Congress President.

At another election meeting at Tura, Sonia Gandhi spoke on the development undertaken by the Congress-led government in the state. Urging the people of Garo Hills to repose faith in the Congress, Sonia Gandhi, "We have ensured an era of peace, prosperity and stability. This is a development of which everyone can be proud, this is yours in which everyone has a share."

Sonia Gandhi in Meghalaya; addresses Congress election rally

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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while addressing a Congress rally as part of her campaign for the upcoming Meghalaya polls highlighted the achievements of the Congress-led Meghalaya government as well as the UPA Government at the centre. Sonia Gandhi said that Meghalaya is one of the fast growing states not only in the North Eastern region but across the country.

Sonia Gandhi campaigns in Meghalaya

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a Congress rally in Meghalaya where assembly elections are going to be held in February. Sonia Gandhi praised the Congress-led Meghalaya Government for the good works done by it.

Sonia Gandhi assured AMU of finding a solution to its minority status issue.

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi promised to put in best possible efforts to resolve the issue of AMU's minority status. She also assured the officials of an appropriate action regarding the improvement in university's infrastructure.

Sonia Gandhi called Aligarh Muslim University an epitome of India's concept of Unity in Diversity

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that Aligarh Muslim University has supported India's nationalist and secular ideals and has become an example Unity in Diversity. She also appreciated AMU's efforts in providing modern education while still upholding the principles of its founders.

Sonia Gandhi's telephonic address at Aligarh Muslim University

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at Aligarh Muslim University, for over a century, has made its name as a strong pillar of nationalist and secular education by being a steadfast inculcator of modern education and has kept alive the principles of its founder by following the path shown by him. The greatest asset of Indian republic is unity in diversity and its 'ganga-jamuni tehzeeb'. AMU is the eptome of this 'tehzeeb'. This university's commitment regarding 'unity in diversity' is not just an act of tokenism but a truth evolving from the experience of its founders. It is proof of the fact that unity in diversity is not just a hollow slogan but a pledge and those principles that are associated with the foundation of this university and get reflected in its teaching, outlook as well as its day to day life.

Sonia Gandhi delivers convocation address at Aligarh Muslim University

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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at Aligarh Muslim University, for over a century, has made its name as a strong pillar of nationalist and secular education by being a steadfast inculcator of modern education and has kept alive the principles of its founder by following the path shown by him. The greatest asset of Indian republic is unity in diversity and its ‘ganga-jamuni tehzeeb’. AMU is the eptome of this ‘tehzeeb’. This university’s commitment regarding ‘unity in diversity’ is not just an act of tokenism but a truth evolving from the experience of its founders. It is proof of the fact that unity in diversity is not just a hollow slogan but a pledge and those principles that are associated with the foundation of this university and get reflected in its teaching, outlook as well as its day to day life. I am aware of the fact that case regarding minority status of AMU is pending in Supreme Court. I assure you that I would make every possible effort to help maintain the strong reputation of this great university. Vice Chancellor talked to me about improving the infrastructure of the university.

Islam in India is an integral part of our culture & muslims have played a major role in India's growth: Sonia Gandhi

Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi delivers the convocation address at Aligarh Muslim University. She is the second women to deliver convocation address at the prestigious university. She said, Aligarh Muslim University, for over a century, has made its name as a strong pillar of nationalist and secular education by being a steadfast inculcator of modern education and has kept alive the principles of its founder by following the path shown by him. The greatest asset of Indian republic is unity in diversity and its ‘ganga-jamuni tehzeeb’. AMU is the true epitomization of this ‘tehzeeb’. This university’s commitment regarding ‘unity in diversity’ is not just an act of tokenism but a truth evolving from the experience of its founders. It is proof of the fact that unity in diversity is not just a hollow slogan but a pledge and those principles that are associated with the foundation of this university and get reflected in its teaching, outlook as well as its day to day life. I am aware of the fact that case regarding minority status of AMU is pending in Supreme Court.  I assure you that I would make every possible effort to help maintain the strong reputation of this great university. Vice Chancellor talked to me about improving the infrastructure of the university. Few days ago I even got the memorandum of your students union. I will surely talk to government regarding all these issues and make every possible effort to do my bit to resolve this issue. My family has had a deep relationship with the Aligarh Muslim University. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had such relations that despite his busy schedule he took out time to repeatedly visit this place. The University has awarded me an honorary degree as well and student union has also accorded me with a lifetime membership. I am proud that you have always enthusiastically supported us and many of the institutions here derive their name from the members of my family. The Culture of India is one of the greatest evolutions in the human civilization. Any facet of life, whether social, cultural, political or literary, has not remain untouched by its influence. Whether one observes the grandeur of the surrounding buildings and architecture , turn the pages of history or looks at its music, poetry and painting , our culture’s signs will be found everywhere. It has got embedded in our souls. Islam has amalgamated with soil of this country in a such a way that now it has become its inseparable part. Here Muslim community has established a dignified image and played an important role in country’s development. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru have described this contribution in innumerable words in his book ‘Discovery of India’. This community has given India a great crop of leaders who played an important part in our freedom struggle. This university is itself associated with many great personalites. Abdul Gaffar Khan, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Mohammed Ali, Zakhir Sahab, Hasrat Mohani, Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, Abdul Majeed Khwaja, K N Ashraf, Saifuddin Kitchlew and Sheikh Abdullah are few of the great examples who inspired the future generations.

It gladdens me to know that so many young women are receiving their degrees today. No community can really progress or prosper if half of its population lags behind. Aligarh Muslim University, Abdullah Girls College has produced remarkable women like Dr. Rasheed Jahan and Ismat Chugtai and many others who through sheer grit and determination confronted social prejudice and antagonism to earn their place in life and the respect of their peers. They are inspirational figures. They should be your ideal. The path of success and independence has never been easy and change is never given to anyone on a platter. You have to struggle, you have to work hard, you have to persevere and never despair. You will confront situations, you will meet people who will try to discourage you, you will meet people who will tell you things cannot change, do not believe them. The country needs women professionals in every field of life. You owe this to your parents, your teachers and this great institution that has given you the opportunity to pursue your dream. You can and you will succeed. All of you young women and men have had great and good fortune and privilege of spending some years in the portal of Aligarh Muslim University deriving the intellectual and moral sustenance that prepares you for your future. Many of you will go on to great endeavors and high achievements as indeed you should. But it is my hope that as you make your way through life you will give thought to those who have been less privileged than you, that whenever you can you will extend them a helping hand. The world is an unequal place but its harshness can be mitigated greatly if we only remember that we are the members of a larger society in which all of us must live and share. It is up to us too and it is our responsibility not just to do well for ourselves but to ensure that the country at large and our people at the whole make progress. Today youth are the future leaders of the nation. You are the future leaders of our nation. We want you to develop a questioning outlook to look beyond the obvious, to question that you see and to engage with the real issues. Only then can you provide leadership not only in the areas of knowledge but in other spheres as well.  You must believe in yourself and your ability, always tinkering it with the knowledge that however imperfect the world may be there is always a larger good illustrious goal and the greater community than the individual. As Illama Iqbal said, “sitaro se aage jahan aur bhi hai” (there is a world beyond stars) . If you keep this in your mind you will be in harmony with Sir Syed’s vision and wisdom which led him to establish the institution form which you are graduating. And if you do then this university, its faculty, its college and its students will remain in forefront of India’s continuing resurgence. The ideals of this great institution are to touch the sky. They are echoed in your university Tarana, ‘jo abra yahan se uthega who saare jahan mein barsega’(the clouds to leave this place shall rain all over the world). My blessings will be always with you. Jai Hind.