Express Interview | Student activist Neha Bora on ‘anti-national’ tag, Umar Khalid and whether she will fight polls
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Syed Ilham Jafri
Student activist Neha Bora, president of AISA, discusses her involvement in major Indian protests and the ideological challenges facing student movements today. Her commentary reflects on the political nature of recent demonstrations and the evolving rhetoric surrounding student activism in India.
The Evolving Landscape of Student Activism in India
The landscape of student activism in India has reached a critical juncture, with figures like Neha Bora, the national president of the All India Students Association (AISA), emerging as central voices in the national discourse. As a PhD scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Bora represents a generation of academics who are increasingly stepping out of the library and into the political arena. Her recent assertion that protests, such as those at Jantar Mantar, are inherently political despite being labeled "leaderless" highlights a shift in how civil society movements are organized and perceived.
The Mechanics of Modern Protest
Bora’s involvement in diverse forms of dissent—ranging from a 23-day hunger strike in New Delhi alongside educationist Sonam Wangchuk to facing physical confrontations like having ink thrown at her in Jharkhand—underscores the intensity of the current political climate. These actions represent a departure from traditional, confined student politics. By engaging in long-term hunger strikes, activists are utilizing their physical presence to force state attention on issues related to education, employment, and civil rights, effectively bridging the gap between student grievances and broader public policy concerns.
Strategic Alliances and Grassroots Outreach
A significant aspect of the current movement is the formation of strategic coalitions. Bora’s mention of AISA’s collaboration with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) suggests a move toward cross-ideological or niche party partnerships to amplify specific demands. This approach is particularly evident in Jharkhand, where the agitation by students and job aspirants has become a focal point for AISA’s efforts. By concentrating on labor and education-related issues, these movements are attempting to build a broader coalition that transcends traditional campus politics.
The Rhetoric of Dissent and the 'Anti-National' Label
Central to the discourse is the persistent challenge of the "anti-national" tag, a label that has become a recurring obstacle for student leaders across the country. Bora’s engagement with this narrative reflects a broader struggle to redefine patriotism and dissent. By addressing the politics behind the 'Azadi' (freedom) slogan, she aims to reframe these demands not as threats to national integrity, but as legitimate expressions of democratic aspiration and demands for systemic reform.
Future Trends in Student Leadership
Looking ahead, the question of whether activists like Bora will transition into electoral politics remains a pivotal point of speculation. The history of Indian politics is replete with student leaders who transitioned from campus agitation to parliamentary roles. Whether or not Bora chooses to contest polls, her current trajectory indicates that student organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their messaging and organizational tactics, ensuring that their influence remains a permanent fixture in the Indian political landscape for the foreseeable future.