Rae Bareli | Special Correspondent

In a moment rich with history and emotion, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was presented with a rare driving licence issued in London in 1938 to his grandfather Feroze Gandhi during his visit to Rae Bareli.

The licence had been preserved for decades by a local family before being formally handed over to the Gandhi family.

The document dates back to the pre-Independence era and offers a glimpse into Feroze Gandhi’s life abroad during a formative period of his political and personal journey.

Issued under British regulations, the licence stands today as a tangible reminder of an era that shaped India’s freedom movement and its leadership.

An Emotional Family MomentSources said that Rahul Gandhi was visibly moved upon receiving the licence. He immediately informed his mother, Sonia Gandhi, over the phone and shared his joy at reconnecting with a personal piece of family history.

A Window into the PastBeyond its personal value, the licence is also a historical artefact, reflecting the lives of Indian leaders who lived and studied abroad while preparing for their roles in India’s political future.

Public Interest and ReactionsImages of the licence have sparked widespread interest online, with many calling it a rare and powerful reminder of India’s political heritage.

Observers note that such artefacts help bridge the gap between history and the present, preserving memories that continue to inspire new generations.