Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday shared a video from the past edition of Bharat Jodo Yatra, in which he could be seen performing martial arts with fellow "yatris". He also announced the launch of 'Bharat Dojo Yatra' and also
In a post on social media platform X, the Congress MP shared glimpses of him practising jiu-jitsu (self-defence martial art) every evening at a campsite, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, held earlier this year. He said, "Bharat Dojo Yatra is coming soon. Dojo broadly refers to a training hall or school for martial arts."
"During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, as we journeyed across thousands of kilometres, we had a daily routine of practising jiu-jitsu every evening at our campsite," he said, sharing a video of one of the martial arts sessions.
In the video, the former Congress president could be seen practising sessions with children and also showcasing some techniques. "What began as a simple way to stay fit quickly evolved into a community activity, bringing together fellow yatris and young martial arts students from the towns where we stayed. Our goal was to introduce these young minds to the beauty of the 'Gentle Art' - a harmonious blend of meditation, jiu-jitsu, Aikido, and non-violent conflict resolution techniques," he further stated.
"We aimed to instil in them the value of transforming violence into gentleness, giving them the tools to build a more compassionate and safer society," he added.
"During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, as we journeyed across thousands of kilometers, we had a daily routine of practicing jiu-jitsu every evening at our campsite. What began as a simple way to stay fit quickly evolved into a community activity, bringing together fellow yatris and young martial arts students from the towns where we stayed.
Gandhi further stated that on National Sports Day, he wants to inspire the new generation to take up the practice of the 'Gentle Art'.
"Our goal was to introduce these young minds to the beauty of the ‘Gentle Art’—a harmonious blend of meditation, jiu-jitsu, Aikido, and non-violent conflict resolution techniques. We aimed to instill in them the value of transforming violence into gentleness, giving them the tools to build a more compassionate and safer society. On this #NationalSportsDay, I want to share our experience with all of you, hoping to inspire some of you to take up the practice of the ‘Gentle Art’. P.S.: Bharat Dojo Yatra is coming soon," he said.
Before the Lok Sabha Elections, Rahul Gandhi undertook the Bharat Jodo Yatra in two phases. The first padayatra took place from September 2022 to January 2023, covering Kanyakumari to Kashmir while the second edition commenced from Manipur and concluded in Mumbai.