I first met @AshutoshRanka two months ago, when the NEET paper leak controversy had just erupted, well before the CJP was formed. He had painstakingly compiled data on every major paper leak in India over the last two decades and sent it to me on WhatsApp. The research was meticulous and deeply impressive. Little did I imagine that this same young engineering graduate would soon be sitting across the table from two Union ministers, negotiating on behalf of student protesters. As he told me, he had never even been to Jantar Mantar before this. Ashutosh isn’t a professional agitator. He’s an idealistic young Indian who chose to act. I interviewed him last night after the CJP-government talks. He looked exhausted, seemed unwell, but spoke with remarkable clarity and conviction. If there’s one lesson from the last few weeks, it’s this: never underestimate the power of informed, idealistic youth. You don’t have to agree with everything Ashutosh says but cannot but admire his spirit. Watch: youtu.be/PhxUd3KDMZ8?si=u3kr…