Varanasi: In a heartfelt gesture that touched many, BJP leader Varun Gandhi celebrated his birthday in Varanasi not with pomp or pageantry but with quiet compassion and kindness. Visiting the city with his family, Gandhi marked the occasion by reaching out to a little-known ashram near the famed Shankar Mochan Mandir — a refuge for kusht rog (leprosy and chronic skin condition) patients.
Moved by the residents’ concerns about the approaching summer heat and their vulnerability due to skin ailments, Gandhi swiftly arranged for the installation of air coolers for the entire ashram. The cooling units, delivered and installed on the same day, brought instant relief and smiles to the faces of dozens of patients who had been bracing for the difficult months ahead.
Varun Gandhi, known for his articulate speeches and softer humanitarian side, interacted with the residents. He listened to their stories, asked about their daily challenges, and reassured them of continued support. Accompanied by his family, the visit remained low-key and devoid of any media spectacle – underlining his intention to serve rather than seek attention.
One of the ashram’s senior caretakers, expressed gratitude: “Humare yahaan log door-daraz se aate hain ilaaj ke liye, lekin garmi kaafi takleef deti hai. Varunji ne bina kuch kahe jaane sab kuch kar diya. Yeh toh ek vardaan hai.” (“People come here from far for treatment, but the summer heat is unbearable. Varunji, without asking, understood everything and helped. It’s truly a blessing.”)
This isn’t the first time Varun Gandhi has extended warmth beyond politics. A skin patient himself in his younger years, he has often spoken about the importance of dignity and care for those suffering from chronic skin disorders.
Celebrating his birthday through service, Varun Gandhi reminded everyone of the power of small acts done with great love. In a city as spiritually alive as Varanasi, his act resonated deeply — a gentle reaffirmation that politics with empathy can still exist.
As the ashram residents now sleep a little more comfortably, Gandhi’s gesture stands as a quiet ode to human kindness – a gift far greater than candles on a cake.
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