A student receives Rahul Gandhi at Marian College, Kuttikkanam in Idukki on Friday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with students at Marian College in Kuttikkanam in Idukki on Friday. Mr. Gandhi reached the college around 1:30 p.m. The interactive session started with a performance by Kalaripayattu M. Dinasree, a student of the college. The student invited Mr Gandhi to attend a martial arts demonstration and he unexpectedly joined her along with All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary KC Venugopal and Idukki MP Dean Kuriakos. After the student demonstrated a few moves, Mr. Gandhi also tried them.
Answering a question about Kalaripayattu, Mr. Gandhi said, “Most people think that martial arts are only used for self-defense against attack. But the reality is that the training and self-defense models of Kalaripayattu help you discover yourself.”
During the lecture, students asked about his view of the people of Kerala. Mr. Gandhi replied that after representing the Wayanad constituency for five years, he believed that the people of the state were leading the way in all sectors, specifically mentioning the contributions of the sisters. When asked about his knowledge of Malayalam, Mr. Gandhi remarked that he usually speaks English and noted that his sister Priyanka Gandhi is more adept at learning multiple languages.
In a carefree moment, a student named Gopilal asked Mr. Gandhi if he could call him “Cheta” (elder brother). After inquiring about the meaning of the word, Mr. Gandhi told the student that he could call him anything and that he in turn was ready to address the student as “Anija” (younger brother).
During the interactive session, students also raised questions on the controversial film The Kerala Story, conflict in West Asia and the future of artificial intelligence.
After the session, Mr. Gandhi planted a sapling in the college campus to commemorate his visit. He also discussed with Mar Jose Pulickal, Bishop of Kanjirapalla under Syro Malabar Church and Marian College Manager Fr. Boby Alex Mannamplackal. Mr. Gandhi had lunch with the students and asked their views on International Women’s Day.
Published – 06 March 2026 20:18 IST
