Honoring inspiring figures in nation-building is not merely a tradition, but a connection to the values rooted deep within our land and its people. Shri Rahul Gandhi began his Bihar visit with a significant gesture—by paying tribute at the memorial of Dashrath Manjhi in Gehlour village, Gaya district.
Gehlour — the historic village where the ‘Mountain Man’ Dashrath Manjhi lived and made history with his bare hands. His story is not just folklore, but a living testament to determination, sacrifice, and service. A man who single-handedly carved a path through a mountain so his village could access medical care — Dashrath Manjhi represents the indomitable spirit of rural India.
By offering flowers at Manjhi’s memorial, Shri Rahul Gandhi didn’t just pay homage to an individual — he saluted the tireless labor and resolve of countless Indians whose stories are often ignored in the corridors of power.
During the visit, he also met Dashrath Manjhi’s son, Shri Bhagirath Manjhi, in a heartfelt gesture of respect and solidarity. This meeting reflected the mark of a compassionate leader — one who acknowledges the past, engages with the present, and commits to a better future.
A Message to the People of Bihar
Shri Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Gehlour sends a strong message — that India’s future doesn’t only lie in its shining cities, but in the dusty lanes of its villages, where people like Dashrath Manjhi still live in spirit. His presence reaffirmed that the hardworking, resilient, and dignified people of Bihar will always have an honored place in the vision of the Congress Party.
For too long, Bihar’s most marginalized communities — the extremely backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and the economically weak — have remained neglected. But the Congress has always stood for inclusion and equity, walking hand-in-hand with every section of society.
Shri Rahul Gandhi’s visit signals a renewed commitment to these communities. His message is clear: Bihar, plagued for decades by poverty, unemployment, and forced migration, deserves a new path — one driven by self-reliance, education, and justice. And he is ready to contribute meaningfully to this transformation.
Final Thoughts
Dashrath Manjhi broke through a mountain. Shri Rahul Gandhi is setting out to bridge hearts. This journey is not just political — it’s a social mission. One that assures every Manjhi, every laborer, every marginalized youth that they are not forgotten — they are partners in the future of India. This historic visit to Gehlour proves once again: when a leader touches the ground, the foundations of change grow stronger.
The author is a National coordinator Vichar Vibhah (AICC)