New Delhi: A day after Diwali, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a heartfelt video featuring himself and his nephew, Raihan Vadra, learning wall painting and pottery alongside local artisans. The video, lasting around nine minutes, captured moments of the two working at Rahul Gandhi’s family residence, 10 Janpath, the home of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, former Congress President.
Raihan, the son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, joined his uncle in this Diwali celebration that was both meaningful and hands on.
एक दिवाली उनके साथ, जिनकी मेहनत से रौशन है भारत! pic.twitter.com/bfmmrjZD2S
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 1, 2024
What Rahul Gandhi said
In his message accompanying the video on X, Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep respect for the people whose labour brings light to others’ homes during the festival season. “A Diwali with people whose hard work makes India shine,” he wrote, adding that this Diwali was especially memorable as he spent it alongside the people who work behind the scenes to create festive joy for many.
The video highlights Rahul Gandhi’s time with painters and potters. Speaking about his experience, he said, “I celebrated by working with painter brothers and making earthen ‘diyas’ with a potter family.” He observed their work closely, tried to learn their craft, and took a moment to understand the hardships they face. Reflecting on their sacrifices, he remarked how these artisans stay away from their families and hometowns to earn a living while others celebrate. “They make happiness from clay. While lighting up the festivals of others, do they get to live in light themselves?” he questioned. He acknowledged how those who build and decorate homes often struggle to keep their own homes running.
Rahul Gandhi makes earthen lamps
In the video, Rahul Gandhi called for a society that truly values skilled workers and respects their contributions. He emphasised the need for a system that recognizes and rewards people for their talents, suggesting that such artisans deserve fairer opportunities and a more supportive environment.
In another part of the video, Rahul Gandhi and Raihan visit a family that makes earthen lamps, commonly used in Diwali celebrations. Rahul Gandhi tried his hand at pottery, shaping small lamps, or ‘diyas,’ and mentions that he plans to give these handmade creations to his mother and sister. The video also shared touching moments between the uncle-nephew duo as they learn together and engage with the artisans.
