Rahul Gandhi shares Rajiv Gandhi’s 1990 letter, recalls father’s lesson on love and respect
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday shared a letter written by his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, dating back to 1990. The letter, addressed to a person named Kishore Ajwani, highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s belief that everyone deserves kindness, sympathy and respect.
Sharing the letter on X, Rahul Gandhi said his father had taught him to treat every living being with love and respect. “This is a good reflection of the teachings given by my father that every living being should be treated with love and respect,” he wrote.
What did Rajiv Gandhi write in the letter?
The letter was written on February 7, 1990, in response to a letter sent by Kishore Ajwani. Rajiv Gandhi appreciated the sender’s gesture and said that nobody had laughed at his letter.
“Dear Kishore Ajwani, none of those who read your letter and sent it to me laughed at you, and neither did I when I read your letter in person,” the former Prime Minister wrote. He further explained that no person’s schedule could be so busy that they could not make time for someone’s good wishes or express sympathy.
“No one’s time can be so precious that they cannot spare time for good wishes and sympathy. Anyone who has feelings of sympathy and goodwill, and the courage to write to express them, can never be an unimportant person in any way. With best wishes, Rajiv Gandhi.”
A good reflection of what my father taught me: treat every living being with ❤️ and respect. https://t.co/USc9zas0JT
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 13, 2026
The letter has also drawn attention to similar correspondence from Rajiv Gandhi, including a reply to a young Shabbir in which he encouraged him to continue his studies, describing young people as the pillars of tomorrow.
Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to debate
Before sharing his father’s letter, Rahul Gandhi once again challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public debate. In a video shared on X, the Congress leader claimed that Modi was avoiding a debate because he knew what could happen if the two leaders faced each other.
“I’ve been reiterating that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to debate with me, his political career will be completely over. He knows this, and I do too,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He also alleged that the Prime Minister had become cautious and had stopped making direct remarks against him, claiming there was an important reason behind the change.