JNU scholar Neha Bora: How a 23-day hunger strike sparked a movement

When thousands of students gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding changes in the examination system and greater accountability, many voices emerged from the protest. But one name soon began to dominate conversations both on the ground and across social media—Neha Bora.For nearly three weeks, the JNU research scholar remained on a hunger strike, addressing students from the protest stage despite deteriorating health. Her speeches, appeals and determination turned her into one of the most recognisable faces of the movement.Whether one agreed with the protest or not, Neha Bora's journey offers an interesting glimpse into how student leadership develops, the role universities play in shaping public voices, and how a research scholar came to represent the concerns of thousands of young people.A student leader long before Jantar MantarAlthough many people first heard Neha Bora's name during the recent demonstrations, her involvement in student activism did not begin there.Originally from Uttarakhand, Neha…