Umar Khalid - A Lifestory
Speaking Truth To Power, Demanding Justice, A Student'S Voice

Umar Khalid is an Indian activist and scholar known for his involvement in student activism and his research interests in marginalized communities. He gained prominence as a student leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where he was a member of the Democratic Students' Union (DSU). His activism often focused on issues of social justice, minority rights, and political dissent. During his time at JNU, he pursued his doctoral studies, focusing on the Adivasi communities in Jharkhand and their resistance movements. His academic work reflects his commitment to understanding and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups within Indian society.
Khalid's activism has also been marked by controversy. In 2016, he was arrested along with other students on sedition charges following an event held on the JNU campus. These charges sparked widespread debate about freedom of speech and the limits of dissent in India. He was subsequently released on bail, but the legal proceedings against him continue. Beyond the specific case, Khalid has been a vocal critic of government policies and actions that he perceives as discriminatory or oppressive. He has participated in and organized numerous protests and demonstrations on a range of issues.
His public profile has made him a target of online harassment and threats, and his views are often met with strong opposition from certain segments of society. Despite the challenges and controversies, Umar Khalid remains a prominent voice in Indian activism, advocating for social change and challenging established power structures. His story reflects the complex and often fraught landscape of political expression and dissent in contemporary India.