BJP MP Varun Gandhi may be from one of the most powerful families in the country, but he revealed a more personal side in his conversation with us. The Sultanpur MP was at the Munnuru Kapu Sangam in Kachiguda to give a seminar as part of Deccan Dialogue in Hyderabad. The audience struggled to click selfies with the junior Gandhi. Varun began by asking the audience whether they were more comfortable in Hindi or English, and when the majority voted for the former, he began his speech. From talking about increasing economic inequality in the country to the power of youth and how a surname should not be the only reason behind their success, the young politician spoke on a range of subjects.
“About 86 per cent of the youth in the country do not study above Class X, and without education there are no jobs,” shared Varun. “Achieve a lot more in your life — it’s not just about buying cars and houses, but making sure that the person beside you has equal opportunities as well. If you have to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together. I am not responsible for those from my constituency in Sultanpur alone, any of you can reach me on Twitter and we can fight together and resolve issues,” he added.
Varun Gandhi
When we asked him about the issues closest to his heart, he replied, “Economic and social inequality. Also, I want the youth from normal, middle-class backgrounds to have a greater say in matters. Look at Delhi, the capital of the country has become almost unlivable. Apart from that, political reforms are also important.” Interestingly, Varun had attended the Rishi Valley School in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Does he remember the time he spent there?
“I attended it for four years. I was too young to attend a boarding school!” he laughs and adds, “I don’t quite remember the time there. However, I do visit Hyderabad. It’s a wonderful city. A perfect mix of the traditional and the modern.” So what are Varun’s passions apart from politics? “I love writing poems. My previous books include, The Otherness of Self and Stillness. My next book, Surrender, is releasing next year,” he shares.
One wonders if Varun is a vegetarian and an animal lover like his mother, Maneka Gandhi. He reveals, “Absolutely. I am a pure vegetarian and an avid animal lover. I believe in the concept of karma.” On a parting note, Varun shares that it’s important for the people of the country to be kinder and gentler. “A country where people are given the opportunity to speak and to listen is what we need. Half of our problems will be solved if we only listen to one another,” he added.“Great to give a lecture to and interact with all present as part of the Deccan Dialogue in Hyderabad. It’s always wonderful to be back here,” Varun tweeted after the seminar.
