Rahul Gandhi to take membership of Mohd. Deepak's gym during Uttarakhand visit

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached Uttarakhand today as part of his scheduled 2 day visit to the state. During the tour, he is set to address a public gathering and one of the most talked-about aspects of Rahul Gandhi’s visit is his likely meeting with Mohammad Deepak, a gym owner from Uttarakhand. 

According to sources, Gandhi may take membership of Deepak’s gym, fulfilling a promise he had made during an earlier interaction.

Who is Mohammad Deepak?

Mohammad Deepak, originally named Deepak Kumar, is a 46-year-old gym owner and fitness trainer residing in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand.

In early 2026, he emerged as a national symbol of communal unity after a video of him standing up to a right-wing mob gained widespread attention.

His dad died approximately 15 years ago. He is married and has a daughter, and his mother continues to operate a tea stall in Kotdwar. Deepak has spent almost 30 years in the fitness industry and operates a gym located on the Badrinath road in Kotdwar.

When Deepak Became Mohd. Deepak

On January 26, 2026, during India's 77th Republic Day, something happened that put Deepak Kumar in the national spotlight. 

In Kotdwar, some Hindu groups were upset about the name of a clothing store called ‘Baba School Garments’. They thought it was wrong for a Muslim shopkeeper to use the word "Baba," which they consider tied to their religious customs. This was especially irritating because of the nearby Siddhabali Baba Hanuman temple.

The owner, Vakil Ahmed, pointed out that his store had been around for almost three decades. No one ever complained before about the name. He also added that the term "Baba" isn't exclusive to Hinduism; other religions use it too. 

During this clash, Deepak stepped in and tried to calm things down. He talked with members of the Bajrang Dal and other groups involved. As tensions rose and folks wanted to know who Deepak was, he identified himself as Mohammad Deepak to ease the situation.

According to sources, Deepak clarified the reason behind his choice of name.

I am just a regular individual," he remarked. "I am not Hindu, not Muslim, not Sikh, and not Christian."
Deepak mentioned that when multiple Bajrang Dal members interrogated the shopkeeper and requested names, the name Mohammad Deepak instinctively entered his thoughts. 

He expressed that he aims to communicate that he is merely an Indian citizen and that everyone deserves the right to reside in the nation without being persecuted.

He stated that the highest religion is humanity, as ultimately, only an individual's actions are important after death.

Financial issues after boycott

Deepak's life has transformed entirely since January 26. He has been getting regular phone calls and texts, several of which are encouraging. Simultaneously, the circumstances have impacted his means of living.

Following the incident, several people reportedly began boycotting his gym. 

Rahul Gandhi Supported Mohd. Deepak

During their previous meeting in February, Rahul Gandhi had assured Deepak of his support and promised that he would personally take membership of the gym.

Sources said Gandhi is expected to meet Deepak during his Uttarakhand tour and complete the membership process. However, no official schedule or timing of the meeting has been made public so far due to security reasons.

While the Congress leader’s political engagements remain the primary focus of the visit, his proposed gesture towards Deepak has also drawn attention and is being seen as an attempt to stand by a young entrepreneur facing difficulties.