Rahul Gandhi Urges Gen Z Girls to ‘Be Loud, Be Proud’ at 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Event in Pune (Videos)
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged young women to assert their independence and demand public space during a youth interaction at the SSPMS College grounds in Pune, Maharashtra.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged young women to be confident, assertive and independent while addressing the women-focused ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Pune. Speaking to a gathering of Gen Z girls, Gandhi called on them to “be loud, be proud, and fight for your space in society,” linking women’s empowerment with greater participation in public life.
The remarks came during an interaction designed specifically to give young women a platform to discuss their concerns, aspirations and experiences. Gandhi also stressed that women should not allow traditional social expectations to determine their identities or limit their choices. Rahul Gandhi Highlights Women’s Empowerment at 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Event in Pune, Says ‘You Don’t Belong to Anyone Else, but Yourself’ (Videos).
Rahul Gandhi Addresses at 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Event in Pune
Rahul Gandhi’s Message to Gen Z Girls
Gandhi encouraged young women to speak openly and confidently about issues affecting them. His message centred on the importance of claiming space in society rather than waiting for opportunities or approval from others.
He told the gathering that women should be prepared to assert themselves and make their voices heard, particularly in spaces where they remain underrepresented. The emphasis on confidence and self-expression formed a key part of his address at the Pune event. ‘Women Must Not Be Confined to Identities of Daughter, Wife or Mother’: Rahul Gandhi Cites Manusmriti, Urges Youth To ‘Break the Cage’ (Video).
‘Fight for Your Space in Society’
Gandhi's call to “be loud, be proud” was framed around the broader issue of women's participation in society. He urged young women to recognise their own abilities and not allow social or cultural expectations to restrict their ambitions. His remarks also reflected his broader argument that women should have greater freedom to determine their careers, relationships and futures. The Congress leader has increasingly used direct interactions with students and young people to discuss issues beyond conventional electoral politics.
Chhatron Ki Goonj Event in Pune
The Pune programme was part of Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj youth outreach initiative. Unlike previous editions, the Pune event was organised specifically for young women.
The programme provided a platform for students to discuss concerns such as women's safety, equality, opportunities and discrimination. Gandhi's interaction with the participants was focused on listening to their experiences as well as delivering his own message on women's empowerment. The initiative is part of the Congress's broader effort to strengthen its engagement with students and younger voters.
Focus on Women’s Independence
Gandhi has also stressed that women should not be defined only by their relationships with fathers, husbands or sons. At the Pune gathering, he argued for greater individual autonomy and said women should be able to determine their own identities. The message was consistent with his wider emphasis on women's independence and equal participation. He also described India's large female population as a major national asset and linked women's participation to the country's future development.
Political Tensions Around the Event
The event took place amid political tensions in Pune. Ahead of Gandhi's programme, a confrontation was reported between members of the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the BJP-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
The incident added a political dimension to an event that was otherwise focused on women students and their concerns. The Congress and BJP have offered differing accounts of the tensions surrounding the programme.
A Wider Youth Outreach Strategy
The Pune edition of Chhatron Ki Goonj is part of Gandhi's continuing effort to engage directly with India's younger generation. By dedicating the programme to young women, the Congress has placed women's safety, equality, independence and representation at the centre of its student outreach.
Gandhi's message to the Gen Z audience was direct: young women should speak up, take pride in who they are and actively claim their place in society rather than allowing others to define their role.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 11:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).