Congress leader Dr. Shashi Tharoor gave an important and inspiring speech at the AICC (All India Congress Committee) session held in Ahmedabad. The event was special because it marked 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi became Congress President and 150 years since the birth of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Speaking from the banks of the Sabarmati river, Dr. Tharoor said this was the right time and place to talk about bringing back the strength of the Congress party in Gujarat — a state where the party has not been in power for the last 30 years.
He looked back at the year 2024, saying it brought both good and bad news. Congress managed to double its number of seats in the Lok Sabha (India's lower house of Parliament), but then lost some state elections. He said that this AICC meeting should be seen as a fresh start for the party.
Dr. Tharoor explained that the party must win back the voters who had supported Congress in 2009 but stopped doing so in the last few elections. He said this can only happen if the party avoids constant complaining and focuses on giving helpful and positive ideas. “People want to hear solutions, not just criticism,” he said.
He also talked about the importance of showing love for the country in a meaningful way. “Our nationalism should be about caring for all Indians,” he said. He explained that Congress stands for social justice, meaning everyone — no matter their religion, caste, language, or region — should be treated equally and fairly. “We are the party of inclusion,” he said, “and national harmony is our goal.”
Dr. Tharoor also spoke about people trying to divide India between the North and the South. As a South Indian himself, he proudly said in Hindi, “Nafrat chhodo, Bharat jodo” — which means “Leave hatred, unite India.” He said that all Indians, no matter where they are from, must work together to keep the country united.
He also mentioned his home state, Kerala. Quoting the famous Malayalam poet Vallathol, he said: “When we hear the name of Bharat, our hearts should swell with pride; when we hear the name of Kerala, our blood should throb in our veins.” This showed that one can love both their state and their country at the same time.
As the Congress party celebrates its 140th anniversary, Tharoor reminded everyone that young people — who make up most of India’s voters — care more about what the party can do for them today and in the future, rather than just looking at the past. He said the party’s promises must speak to young people’s hopes and needs.
On the topic of the economy, he said that while economic growth is important, the benefits of that growth must reach everyone — especially the poor, the marginalised, and communities like SCs, STs, and OBCs. He said the Congress should always speak up for those who have no voice in society.
He also took a moment to thank the ordinary Congress workers, saying in both Hindi and English that they are the real strength of the party. “We stand on your shoulders,” he said, “and without your hard work, this resolution would just be words.”
To end his speech, Dr. Tharoor repeated what he had said a day earlier at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting: “The Congress must be the party of hope, not anger; the party that talks about the future, not just the past.” He said the party must offer a positive message to the nation and show it is ready to serve the people.
He then proudly supported and seconded the official party resolution, asking for everyone’s approval — which was met with loud cheers from party members across the country. (PR)