Who is Neha Bora? From Delhi University to JNU, the education and activism of AISA’s president

Neha Bora, the 29-year-old national president of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), has drawn national attention for her participation in student-led protests, including a recent demonstration in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.A doctoral scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Bora combines academic research in theatre and performance studies with political activism. Her recent detention after a dash towards Connaught Place, following an agitation called near RK Ashram Marg Metro station, brought her activities into the public spotlight.Educational journey from Delhi University to JNUBorn in Khatima, Uttarakhand, Bora grew up moving between cities because her father served in the Indian Army. She completed her schooling in Bengal, where she encountered the writings and political ideas of Charu Majumdar, Pablo Neruda and Arundhati Roy.Bora graduated in sociology from Hindu College, University of Delhi, before pursuing postgraduate studies at Dr B. R. Ambedkar University. She subsequently joined JNU’s School of Arts and Aesthetics for a PhD in theatre and performance studies.Theatre and the beginning of activismBora’s involvement in public causes developed through theatre. During her time at Delhi University, she participated in plays addressing social issues and later became associated with Sangwari, a Delhi-based street theatre group. She has described her transition from theatre to politics as an organic progression.The 2019 protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act also influenced her political engagement. She later joined AISA, a Left-wing student organisation associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, and became its national president.The 23-day hunger strike at Jantar MantarBora joined fellow student leaders Manish Kumar and Aameen Amitoj in a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar alongside activist Sonam Wangchuk. The three continued their fast for 23 days before ending it on July 20 following appeals from MPs, activists and public figures. Reports said Bora lost eight kilograms during the protest.The agitation highlighted opposition to the National Education Policy, 2020 and the centralisation of competitive examinations, issues she says have fuelled student concerns for years.Recent protests and detention in DelhiOn Sunday, October 11, Bora led supporters towards Connaught Place after police action around the protest gathering. She announced their arrival on social media at 2.51pm and was detained shortly afterwards.In a video posted on X, she alleged that protesters faced cramped conditions and mistreatment inside a police bus. Police had not responded to these allegations in the reports available.Bora also participated in protests in Jharkhand, where ink was thrown at her near the state Assembly on August 7. Her speeches have attracted controversy, including police complaints over remarks concerning Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.