Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
When a person’s name becomes synonymous with a movement, it usually carries a long history of struggle, sacrifice and persistence. For many candidates in Jharkhand, Rahul Kumar is no longer just Rahul Kumar: he is Rahul Kranti.
During the ongoing satyagraha at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations, Rahul’s health deteriorated. Suffering from high fever and severe headaches, he was rushed to hospital late at night. By the next morning, his condition had worsened to such an extent that he had to be admitted to the ICU.
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But behind this frail body lies the story of a man who, candidates say, has fought for their rights both in courtrooms and on the streets.
Today, as protests continue in Ranchi and candidates look towards the government for answers, Rahul remains confident. Speaking to aajtak.in, he said that every time he has raised his voice for students and aspirants, the movement has succeeded, and he believes this struggle, too, will eventually force the government to listen.
HOW RAHUL BECAME ‘KRANTI’
Rahul’s real name is Rahul Kumar. The word “Kranti”, meaning revolution, was added later, and not by him.
Rahul says he was among the first to protest against recruitment processes of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), particularly when counselling was conducted without publishing proper merit lists. At a time when teachers across Jharkhand alleged injustice, Rahul organised protests and raised his voice against the system.
According to him, teachers across the state later told him, “If anyone can bring a revolution for our rights, it is you.” Over time, the title stayed, and Rahul Kumar became Rahul Kranti.
TEN MOVEMENTS, TEN VICTORIES
Rahul says he has led nearly ten major movements related to JPSC, JSSC CGL, assistant professor recruitment, lady supervisor appointments and age-relaxation issues.
He claims that every one of these campaigns led to positive outcomes for candidates.
One of the most significant legal battles, he says, was related to age limits in JPSC examinations. When many aspirants were excluded because they had crossed the age threshold, Rahul became the lead petitioner in the Jharkhand High Court. The court ruling allowed him and many others to appear for the 14th JPSC examination.
WHEN A PERSONAL DREAM TURNED INTO A PUBLIC FIGHT
Rahul is not someone who only led protests. He was also a serious aspirant who qualified for the JPSC mains examination.
However, he alleges that corruption in the recruitment system shattered his own dreams. Rahul claims that during one examination cycle, question papers and answers were allegedly being circulated from a hotel near Ranchi railway station.
Despite working hard and clearing earlier stages, he says he could not make it to the final list.
That experience changed his path. Rahul says he decided that he would no longer fight only for his own career but also for reforms in the examination system.
A FAMILY WAITS, A PROTEST CONTINUES
Rahul, who married after the age of 33, is now in his 40s. His wife is a homemaker, and the couple has two young children, a daughter aged around six and a half and a son aged three and a half.
While many people settle into their careers by this age, Rahul says he is still fighting for the rights of candidates, from hospital beds to protest sites.
Even from the ICU, his message remained unchanged.
“We have fought ten battles and won. The government will have to listen this time too. This fight is not only for us, but for the next generation,” he said.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
