Aditi Mishra: The New Face of JNU Student Politics – Biography, Background, and Her Historic Win
Aditi Mishra has emerged as a beacon of progressive activism in Indian student politics, becoming the 31st President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) in 2025. A PhD scholar at JNU's School of International Studies, she led the Left Unity coalition to a sweeping victory, securing all four central panel seats in a contest marked by fierce ideological battles. Her election as the first Left-wing candidate to win the presidency since the 1970s underscores a resurgence of student power at one of India's premier universities. Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Aditi's journey from local protests to national headlines reflects her commitment to gender justice, academic freedom, and marginalized voices. Here's a deep dive into her biography, education, family, and the path that led to this milestone
Early Life and Family
Aditi Mishra hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a city steeped in tradition and intellectual fervor. While specific details about her family remain private—typical for student leaders—she credits her upbringing for instilling values of resilience and social awareness. Growing up in a modest household, Aditi was exposed to the city's vibrant culture and social movements, which shaped her worldview. She completed her schooling in Varanasi, where early encounters with inequality sparked her activist spirit. Her family, though not in the spotlight, has been her steadfast support, allowing her to pursue higher education and public service without the burdens that often sideline women from similar backgrounds. Aditi often highlights how her roots in Uttar Pradesh fuel her research on gender violence and resistance, making her advocacy deeply personal.
Education and Academic Journey
Aditi's academic path is a testament to her intellect and determination. She pursued her undergraduate studies before moving to Pondicherry University in 2018, where she immersed herself in interdisciplinary learning. It was here that her political consciousness truly awakened, as she joined protests against administrative overreach and fee hikes. By 2022, she had enrolled as a PhD student at JNU's School of International Studies, focusing on gender violence and women's resistance methods in Uttar Pradesh since 2012. Her thesis explores grassroots strategies against patriarchal structures, drawing from real-world cases to advocate for systemic change. Aditi's time at JNU, known for its vibrant student politics, honed her skills as a leader, and she even served as the Internal Complaints (IC) representative, pushing for transparency in handling sexual harassment complaints despite administrative hurdles.
Political Career and Rise to JNUSU Presidency
Aditi's activism ignited during her student days. In September 2017, as a graduate student at BHU (Banaras Hindu University), she spearheaded protests against undemocratic curfews in women's hostels, challenging patriarchal norms head-on. At Pondicherry University in 2018, she led a siege against Hindutva banners on campus, followed by a 2019 lockdown against fee hikes and solidarity marches for the CAA protests. In 2020, she continued fighting for marginalized students' rights amid the pandemic. Joining the All India Students' Association (AISA), part of the Left Unity coalition (including SFI and DSF), Aditi's platform emphasized accountability, accessibility, and justice.
Her crowning achievement came in the 2025 JNUSU elections, where she clinched the presidency with 1,861 votes, defeating ABVP's Vikas Patel (1,447 votes). This marks the first Left win since 1975, a symbolic victory against rising right-wing influence. Aditi's campaign focused on making JNUSU more responsive, especially on gender issues, and her IC report exposed administrative opacity in harassment cases. As president, she vows to protect JNU's progressive ethos, saying, "This is about long-term commitment to justice, not just a win."
Personal Life and Fun Facts
Aditi keeps her personal life low-key, prioritizing her studies and activism. She’s unmarried, and no romantic links are public—her focus is on empowerment. Fun fact: She’s an avid reader of feminist literature and enjoys trekking, drawing parallels between her research and real-world resistance. At 28, she embodies JNU’s spirit of debate and defiance.
Aditi Mishra isn’t just a president; she’s a voice for change, proving student power still thrives. Follow her journey as she shapes JNU’s future.
What’s the Hype on Aditi Mishra?
Age?
28 (born in Varanasi, UP).
Education?
PhD at JNU (School of International Studies); Pondicherry University alum.
Family?
Modest background; parents and brother in Varanasi.
Political?
AISA (Left Unity); first Left president since 1975.
Win?
1,861 votes vs. ABVP’s 1,447; all Left seats swept.
