4 voices, 1 mission — campus justice

Aditi Mishra, president (AISA): A PhD scholar at the Centre for Comparative Politics and Political Theory (CCPPT), School of International Studies, Aditi Mishra hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. A long-time student activist, she first rose to prominence during the 2017 Banaras Hindu University protests against patriarchal hostel curfews. Later, as a student at Pondicherry University, she actively resisted fee hikes and the rising saffronisation of campuses. At JNU, Aditi has served as an Internal Complaints Committee (IC) representative, pushing for transparency and accountability in redressal of sexual harassment cases. Her research focuses on gendered violence and women’s resistance movements in Uttar Pradesh since 2012. Contesting from AISA under the Left Unity banner, Aditi’s politics is grounded in the fight for gender justice, inclusivity and democratic campus spaces. Her election as the JNUSU president reflects her commitment to defending JNU’s progressive legacy and empowering marginalised voices within student politics.

K Gopika Babu, vice-president (SFI): Comrade Kizhakoot Gopika Babu, a PhD scholar at the Centre for Study of Law and Governance, is known across the JNU for her consistent and fearless student activism. A gold medalist from Miranda House, Delhi University, Gopika has been an active part of the progressive student movements since her undergraduate days. She played a key role in mobilising students during the campaign to restore JNUSU elections after a four-year hiatus and later served as a JNUSU councillor. Despite being denied PhD admission in Centre for Study of Social Systems (CSSS) due to political targeting, she continued her activism after joining Centre for Study of Law and Governance (CSLG). Gopika has been at the forefront of movements for hostel access, fee rollback and against administrative apathy. Beyond the campus, she has participated in national protests defending public education. As the vice-president, she brings a strong record of leadership, empathy and an unwavering dedication to democratic student rights.

Sunil Yadav, general secretary (DSF): The newly elected general secretary of the JNUSU is a PhD scholar at the Centre for European Studies and a first-generation learner from Basti district, Uttar Pradesh. His journey from a small village in Bedipur to JNU’s central panel is marked by persistence and grassroots activism. Sunil began his political engagement as a student faculty coordinator in 2022, leading campaigns for the reopening of hostels and offline classes after the pandemic. As a councillor and later Inter Hall Administration (IHA) convener, he spearheaded protests against fee hikes and arbitrary hostel policies. His activism also extended to movements demanding the reinstatement of Jawaharlal Nehru Entrance Exam (JNUEE) and protection of terminal-year scholars. A member of the Democratic Students’ Federation, Sunil’s politics is grounded in issues of accessibility and equality in education. His rise reflects the aspirations of students from marginalised and rural backgrounds seeking representation and justice.

Danish Ali, joint secretary (AISA): A PhD student at the Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social Sciences, Danish Ali represents the new generation of assertive Left activists in JNU. Originally from Bandarbarru village in Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district, Danish comes from a family of educators. A former state-level athlete, she began her activism at Delhi University’s SGTB Khalsa College where she led protests in solidarity with Jamia Millia Islamia students during the anti-CAA movement. At JNU, Danish became known for her firm stance against casteist and feudal glorification by right-wing groups. She organised campaigns rejecting attempts to legitimise the Ranveer Sena and worked to uphold inclusive, anti-caste politics within the campus. Her activism reflects a fierce resistance to communalism and social hierarchies. As the joint secretary, Danish aims to strengthen student unity, defend academic freedom and uphold JNU’s legacy as a space of equality and critical thought.