Whirlwind in student world: A 15-year-old challenges a 28-year-old

Jhanvi Behal, a 15-year-old student of DAV Public School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, is the new thing to trend in the debate over the right to speech. Late last week, the school student openly challenged Kanhaiya Kumar, Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union leader, to an open debate on freedom of speech.

The controversial icon (for some), Kanhaiya Kumar, 28, created a buzz in the country with his rousing release speech on nationalism. Now Jhanvi has challenged him via a leading news channel to a “debate at any time, any place. If you have so much mojo, Mr Kanhaiya, go guard our borders and then talk of patriotism.”

Well, now that’s some audacity. “Whatever Kanhaiya ji said against PM Modi is completely wrong and unacceptable. It would have been better had he spoken against those ‘deshdrohis’ who raised anti-national slogans rather than the PM,” she said to the channel.

The entire episode has put her on top of ‘the trending’ list on social media. So, who is this young girl?

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Well, for the starters, this isn’t the first time that she has rubbed shoulders with fame. Being one of the most socially aware students of her school, she regularly participates in many events of her locality, and is well-known for her work. In 2014, she conducted a sting operation on the sale of alcohol and tobacco products to under-age, as a result of which several stores were served notices and FIRs filed against them.

She is also involved with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Ludhiana for which she has also received honour on Republic Day and a letter of appreciation from the prime minister. Inspired by Mother Teresa, she has worked on issues like female foeticide, adult content on social networking sites, etc.

Now, now, are we not all waiting for Kanhaiya Kumar to accept the challenge? Well, we are excited, aren’t you?

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