In Kotdwar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had a significant meeting with Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak, who recently found himself in the limelight due to a viral video. This video captured an altercation in which Deepak publicly supported a local Muslim shopkeeper during a contentious argument regarding the removal of the word 'Baba' from a shop's name. His defense of the shopkeeper was viewed by some as a message of social harmony, while also drawing criticism from certain organizations. Following the video's viral spread, Deepak transitioned from being a local figure to a subject of national discussion, emphasizing the complexities of social dynamics in the country.

During this meeting, Gandhi shared a photo on social media expressing his admiration for Deepak’s courage and unity, emphasizing that such a spirit should be present in every Indian youth. He promoted the values of equality and love, reflecting a broader message about Indian identity and community. This interaction underscores Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to connect with the youth and reinforce democratic ideals amid ongoing debates regarding social and religious harmony in India. As discussions surrounding Deepak's actions continued, the narrative created around them has the potential to influence public sentiment in the region and possibly beyond, as the divide between different social groups remains a point of contention in contemporary India.