Rahul Gandhi’s statement that while he was at St Stephen’s College students who asked too many questions were looked down upon has caused resentment among Stephanians. Rahul made the comment while trying to differentiate between the Indian higher education system and that of the US and the UK. 

Some Stephanians feel that Rahul may have raised a pertinent issue about the state of Indian higher education institutions, but there was no need to use his alma mater as an example. They say that at St Stephen’s College, students are encouraged to ask questions even if they are uncomfortable ones.  

Those who were at St Stephen’s when Rahul was there say that he used to visit the college with a few security guards, sat on the back benches, and didn’t ask any questions. A few say that Rahul never participated in the various clubs and forums at the college.   

Speaking about Rahul’s year-long stay at the college, Valson Thampu, the current principal of St Stephen’s, said that he was enrolled in the History (Honours) course in 1989. He said that Rahul may have been speaking about his own experience at the college and it may not be correct to make such a generalization about the academic environment of the college. 

Thampu added that though he never taught Rahul, he found him to be very well-mannered and he conducted himself with humility. 

Do you agree with Rahul Gandhi’s views? Do you feel that students who participate in classroom discussions in higher education institutions are more successful in their careers?