NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stepped into a Keventers shop and turned barista for the day, creating cold coffee with his own hands. What began as a casual visit quickly transformed into an exploration of business, entrepreneurship, and legacy.
The visit started with the shop staff offering to demonstrate how cold coffee is made. However, Rahul Gandhi had other plans. “No, I will make it,” he confidently replied, donning the role of a coffee maker.
In a video shared later, he is seen adding milk and ice cream, operating the mixer, and pouring the drink into Keventers’ signature bottle.
The Congress leader didn’t stop at just making coffee. He engaged with Keventers’ young founders, discussing their journey of revitalising a legacy brand for a modern audience. Sharing the experience on social media, he praised businesses like Keventers for their contribution to India’s economic growth.
“Play-fair businesses like Keventers have driven our economic growth for generations. We must do more to support them,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.
While addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, Rahul said, “I walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, asking young kids what they wanted to do. Most aspired to be engineers, doctors, lawyers, or soldiers. But not one said they wanted to be an entrepreneur,” He attributed this to systemic barriers, highlighting the lack of encouragement for entrepreneurship. “For someone like you who wants to do their own thing, it’s very difficult to get funding. Many talented people just don’t have the money,” he said, addressing one of the Keventers’ founders.
When asked if he was considering investments, Rahul said, “No, I’m looking at Keventers, trying to make an investment decision.”
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Keventers not only showcased his approachable persona but also underscored his interest in fostering entrepreneurship. The episode served as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing small businesses and creating an ecosystem that supports aspiring entrepreneurs.
The visit also had its lighter moments. Rahul interacted with people living near the shop and even engaged in a brief exchange with an elderly woman living in the same building. She invited him to visit her home, and while he assured her he would “come in for two minutes,” a comical twist ensued when she realized she didn’t have her key.
“How will this open then” she could be heard asking in the video, with Rahul standing by her side. “No problem, I’ll come next time,” Rahul said.
