Congress Leader’s Compassionate Gesture Echoes Past Support for Nirbhaya’s Brother
Published on: July 29, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: New Delhi, India
In a heartfelt move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has announced his decision to “adopt” 22 children who lost their parents during Pakistan’s shelling in the Jammu region amid Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This gesture, aimed at supporting the young victims of cross-border violence, underscores Gandhi’s commitment to standing by those affected by tragedy, reminiscent of his earlier support for the brother of Nirbhaya, the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim.
The announcement came during a Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, where Gandhi, addressing the human cost of the conflict, pledged to personally ensure the education, healthcare, and well-being of these 22 children from affected families in Jammu. “These children have lost their parents to the brutality of war.
It is our duty to give them a future filled with hope,” Gandhi said, emphasizing the need to prioritize civilian welfare in conflict zones. Sources close to the Congress leader confirmed that his team is coordinating with local authorities to identify the children and provide long-term support, including scholarships and access to quality education.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/bihar-teens-₹7000-scrap-plane-soars-showcasing-indias-untapped-genius/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/indias-railway-revolution-vadodara-powers-global-exports-with-make-in-india/
This is not the first time Gandhi has stepped forward to support those in distress. In 2012, he quietly extended financial and emotional support to the brother of Nirbhaya, helping him pursue his education and rebuild his life after the tragic loss of his sister. That act of compassion, done away from the public eye, earned Gandhi praise for his empathy, and his latest commitment has struck a similar chord.
The shelling in Jammu, which occurred during the heightened tensions of Operation Sindoor, left several civilian families devastated. The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, saw intense cross-border exchanges, with Pakistan’s shelling claiming innocent lives in border villages. Gandhi’s adoption pledge has drawn attention to the often-overlooked civilian toll in such conflicts, with opposition leaders lauding his initiative as a call for greater accountability and sensitivity from the government.
Congress MP Deepender Hooda, speaking in support, said, “Rahul ji’s gesture shows the heart of our party—standing with the vulnerable when they need it most.” Other opposition figures, including TMC and Samajwadi Party MPs, echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to establish a rehabilitation fund for families affected by the conflict.
Gandhi’s announcement has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for systemic support for conflict-affected children. Activists and local leaders in Jammu have welcomed the move, with some calling for a national policy to protect and rehabilitate children orphaned by cross-border violence. As Gandhi’s team begins the process of reaching out to the affected families, his gesture serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the power of compassionate leadership.