In an exclusive interview with rediff.com India Abroad's Aziz Haniffa, Pitroda talks about the young political leader who is expected to lead a young India into the future.

"He has a vision of India like his dad," says Pitroda. "You can see in Rahul's eyes -- at least I see -- his father's unfinished agenda."

When did you first meet Rahul?

I met him in 1985, when I was meeting Rajiv after Mrs Gandhi died. He was a little boy and I met him at their house, and he was playing with his dad -- a nice, young kid. And, since then, I've known him all along.

He was, during these early days, learning computers, and so, I would send some stuff to him because Rajiv would tell me, 'Sam, can you send some stuff for Rahul' and so, I would do that. So, I have known him as a child and seen him grow up, and I've always been very fond of him. He's a really nice fellow, as a person.

And you've watched his progress, seen him growing up to...

Absolutely! Seen him growing up with great confidence, and he is very analytical, humble and is very considerate of other people. He is grounded in reality. He is definitely not a flashy guy. And I think people don't quite understand him that well because they expect someone like him to be very flashy.

And perhaps to be a little aloof and a trifle arrogant...

He is not that at all. He'll open doors for you, like his dad did. He's extremely personable, and very caring.

His heart is in the right place and he's committed to working in India because he said, 'Look, my grandmother gave her life, my father gave his life, and if I don't do what I am supposed to do, it's just not fair to me and my family'.

He's genuinely committed to a larger cause.