Who Is Devendra Nath Mahto? The Face Of Jharkhand's Student Protest

A month after Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike drew national attention, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has emerged as the face of a fresh protest movement. After surviving three days on water alone, Mahto ended his water fast following a video call with Wangchuk but continued his indefinite hunger strike. Seeking a transparent probe into alleged recruitment irregularities, the 35-year-old activist says peaceful, constitutional protest is the only path to justice for lakhs of job aspirants. A long-time student leader, Mahto has led multiple agitations, contested elections, and says he faces over 30 criminal cases linked to protests.