Celebrating Rahul Gandhi's 55th Birthday: A Look at His Life and Political Journey

Today marks the 55th birthday of Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics and former president of the Congress Party. Born into a political family, he has had a significant journey in politics since 2004, facing both triumphs and challenges. From his educational background at prestigious institutions to his active role in the Congress Party, this article delves into his life and the controversies that have shaped his political career. Discover more about Rahul Gandhi's contributions and the impact he continues to have on Indian politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 12:37 IST

Introduction to Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi is a well-known figure in Indian politics, and today, June 19, marks his 55th birthday. He previously held the position of president of the Indian National Congress, the country's oldest political party, and currently represents the opposition.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 19, 1970, Rahul Gandhi is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He completed his early education at St. Columba's School in Delhi before moving to Dehradun. Later, he attended Rollins College in Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. In 1995, he obtained an M.Phil. from Trinity College, Cambridge University.

Political Career

After finishing his education, Rahul Gandhi worked for about three years at a management consulting firm led by Michael Porter, keeping his background private for security reasons. In 2003, he began to engage more actively in politics alongside his mother, Sonia Gandhi. He officially entered politics in 2004, contesting elections from Amethi, and was appointed as the General Secretary of the Congress Party in 2007. He took on responsibilities for the Youth Congress and the Indian National Students' Organization, marking the beginning of his active political career.

In 2017, following Sonia Gandhi's resignation as Congress president, Rahul took over the leadership. However, the party faced significant losses in several states due to the Modi wave. The situation worsened in 2019, yet Rahul remained committed to revitalizing the party, even resigning from the presidency.

Controversies

In 2023, Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years in prison for making derogatory remarks regarding the Modi surname, which also led to the loss of his parliamentary seat. He represented the Wayanad constituency in Kerala from 2019 to 2024 and the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2019. In 2024, he was elected from the Raebareli seat in Uttar Pradesh.