Kanhaiya Kumar Biography, Age, Height, Wiki, Wife, Family, Profile in 2025

Kanhaiya Kumar is an Indian politician, former student leader, and social activist known for his vocal stance on issues related to social justice, secularism, and equality. Born in Begusarai, Bihar, Kanhaiya rose to national prominence as the President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) in 2016, when he became the face of student-led protests and debates around freedom of expression and nationalism in India. A member of the Indian National Congress, Kanhaiya’s speeches, ideological stance, and activist spirit have made him a significant figure in contemporary Indian politics.

Wiki Profile

Full Name	Kanhaiya Kumar
Profession	Politician, Activist
Date of Birth	January 13, 1987
Age	37 (as of 2024)
Birth Place	Bihat, Begusarai, Bihar, India
Nationality	Indian
Religion	Hinduism
Political Party	Indian National Congress
Height	5’7″ (170 cm)
Education	PhD in African Studies, JNU
Famous For	JNUSU President, Political Activism

Early Life and Education

Kanhaiya Kumar was born on January 13, 1987, in Bihat, a small village in Begusarai district, Bihar. Coming from a modest background, Kanhaiya’s father worked as a farmer, while his mother was a part-time anganwadi worker. He completed his early education in Bihar before moving to Patna College, where he earned a degree in geography. During his time in Patna, he became interested in student politics, leading him to pursue further studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where he went on to earn a PhD in African Studies.

While at JNU, Kanhaiya became actively involved in student politics, joining the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). His charismatic speeches and focus on social issues soon brought him to the forefront, and he was elected President of the JNUSU in 2015.

The JNU Controversy and National Spotlight

In 2016, Kanhaiya Kumar gained national attention during a major controversy at JNU. He was arrested on charges of sedition after an event organized on campus allegedly featured “anti-national” slogans. The incident sparked nationwide debates on freedom of speech, nationalism, and the role of universities in shaping political thought.

Following his arrest, Kanhaiya received widespread support from various student groups, activists, and political figures. He delivered a powerful speech after his release, questioning the government’s stance on nationalism and advocating for democracy, equality, and justice. This speech went viral and solidified his position as a significant voice for student activism in India.

Political Career

In 2019, Kanhaiya Kumar formally entered politics as a candidate for the Communist Party of India (CPI) and contested from his hometown of Begusarai in the Lok Sabha elections. Although he lost to BJP candidate Giriraj Singh, Kanhaiya’s campaign gained considerable support, especially from young voters.

In September 2021, Kanhaiya Kumar joined the Indian National Congress, citing a need for a united opposition to address issues of democracy, secularism, and economic inequality in India. Since joining Congress, he has been an active voice on socio-political issues, especially concerning the youth, freedom of speech, and civil rights. He continues to advocate for his beliefs through public appearances, speeches, and social media.

Ideology and Activism

Kanhaiya Kumar is known for his progressive ideology, focusing on social justice, equality, and secularism. He often speaks out against communalism and promotes the idea of India as an inclusive, diverse society. His views are influenced by leftist ideals, and he strongly supports the rights of marginalized communities. He has been vocal about issues such as economic disparity, farmer rights, and the need for a more equitable education system in India.

Personal Life

Kanhaiya Kumar remains largely private about his personal life and relationships. He is often described as a focused individual who is deeply committed to his work and ideals. Known for his oratory skills, Kanhaiya spends much of his time speaking at events, participating in debates, and engaging with political developments across the country.

Physical Appearance

Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black

Awards and Recognition

Although he has not received formal awards, Kanhaiya Kumar is widely recognized as a significant youth leader and social activist in India. His speeches and activism have drawn considerable attention, both from supporters and critics, who acknowledge his influence on contemporary Indian youth and politics.

Net Worth

Kanhaiya Kumar’s estimated net worth is modest, as he has primarily focused on activism and social work rather than accumulating wealth. His income is likely derived from his political engagements, occasional speaking fees, and public appearances.

FAQs

What is Kanhaiya Kumar known for?

Kanhaiya Kumar is known for his activism as a student leader, especially during the JNU controversy, and his outspoken stance on social justice issues.

What political party does Kanhaiya Kumar belong to?

He is a member of the Indian National Congress, having previously been associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI).

What did Kanhaiya Kumar study?

He completed his PhD in African Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Why was Kanhaiya Kumar arrested in 2016?

He was arrested on sedition charges following an event at JNU where alleged “anti-national” slogans were raised. The case received widespread media attention and sparked debates on nationalism and freedom of expression.

Interesting Facts

Kanhaiya’s viral speech following his release in 2016 was widely viewed across India and established him as a youth icon.
He is an avid reader and frequently quotes Indian and international revolutionary thinkers in his speeches.
Kanhaiya Kumar’s decision to join Congress in 2021 reflected his belief in the need for a unified opposition to tackle India’s socio-political issues.

Conclusion

Kanhaiya Kumar has become a prominent figure in Indian politics, championing progressive ideas and calling for a society rooted in equality, justice, and secularism. His background as a student leader and activist allows him to connect deeply with the youth of India, many of whom admire his dedication to the country’s democratic ideals. With his powerful oratory and unyielding commitment to social change, Kanhaiya continues to play an influential role in shaping the discourse around contemporary Indian politics.