Archive · 25 Aug 2026
AISA Chief Calls Inclusive Education Essential for Social Progress
Neha Bora said education helps countries and societies improve.
She believes everyone should have a fair chance to study.
She said keeping people out of education increases inequality.
Bora also said the government must provide good education for everyone.
She argued that privatisation has created problems in the education system.
Riya Ahir said citizens can criticise the government because they want the country to improve.
Both women spoke about supporting students and social causes.
Bora also said she supports the aspirations of people in Kashmir.
AISA president Neha Bora said excluding people from education keeps societies and countries behind.
Bora argued that governments must provide quality education for all and reduce disparities.
She blamed years of privatisation for weakening education and called for a comprehensive system overhaul.
Model-activist Riya Ahir defended criticism of the government as a democratic right, not a sign of disloyalty.
On Kashmir, Bora said she supports Kashmiris’ aspirations, while noting the BJP says Kashmiris are happy under its rule.
- Who
- All India Students’ Association president Neha Bora and model-activist Riya Ahir.
- What
- They discussed inclusive education, student protests, government accountability, equality and Kashmiris’ aspirations.
- When
- At an interaction held on Tuesday; the article also refers to protests in July and the previous month.
- Where
- The discussion took place at the Mumbai Press Club; related protests occurred in Delhi, Mumbai and Jharkhand.
- Why
- The speakers argued that equal access to education and the right to question authorities are necessary for social progress and democracy.
Speakers’ Positions
Positions Cited in Response
Education policy
Speakers’ Positions
Neha Bora said education is a government responsibility, should be available to all, and has been harmed by privatisation.
Positions Cited in Response
The article does not provide a direct response from the government, but Bora claimed that political parties other than Left parties do not prioritise education.
Criticism of government
Speakers’ Positions
Riya Ahir said questioning and criticising the government is a democratic right and reflects concern for the country’s future.
Positions Cited in Response
No opposing statement is provided in the article; Ahir’s comments respond to the idea that criticism could indicate a lack of patriotism.
Kashmir’s political aspirations
Speakers’ Positions
Bora said she supports the aspirations of Kashmiris and praised Rahul Gandhi for supporting the aspirations of youth.
Positions Cited in Response
Bora said the BJP maintains that Kashmiris are happy under its regime.
- Speaker
- Neha Bora, president of the All India Students’ Association and a JNU PhD scholar.
- Event
- An interaction organised by the Network of Women in Media, India, at the Mumbai Press Club.
- Education position
- Bora said excluding a major section of society from education keeps society behind.
- System criticism
- She said education has steadily given way to privatisation and needs a comprehensive overhaul.
- Student protests
- Bora undertook a 23-day hunger strike with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk over NEET paper leaks in July.
- Riya Ahir
- Ahir said she joined student protests after deciding that sending complaints to authorities was not enough.
- Kashmir
- Bora said she supports the aspirations of Kashmiris; she also noted the BJP says Kashmiris are happy under its regime.