‘Internet’s kid’ who loves Sahir Ludhianvi, Dinkar: Behind Sarthak’s CBSE probe, a quest to ‘always ask questions’
‘Internet’s kid’ who loves Sahir Ludhianvi, Dinkar: Behind Sarthak’s CBSE probe, a quest to ‘always ask questions’
A Digital Prodigy’s Viral Challenge
Internet s kid who loves Sahir – As the Central Board of Secondary Education announced the final deadline for Class 12 re-evaluation submissions, a young blogger who had previously disrupted the board’s operations made a playful plea. Sarthak Sidhant, 18, took to X to request an extension, quipping, “Can u please extend the deadline please because I was busy this week exposing you.” His witty tone, often laced with anime references and sharp one-liners, has become a hallmark of his online presence.
Roots in Literature and Rebellion
Sarthak’s blend of humor and intellectual depth draws from unexpected sources—Urdu and Hindi poetry that resonates beyond his generation. His admiration for Sahir Ludhianvi, a pioneering figure of the Progressive Writers’ Movement, and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, the Jnanpith awardee, reflects a deep connection to their timeless messages. These poets, whose works grapple with themes of identity and justice, now echo in the voice of a digital prodigy.
“Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega, Insan ki aulaad hai insaan banega.”
His recent interview highlighted this link, as he chose Ludhianvi’s lines from the 1959 film *Dhool Ka Phool* as a favorite. The poem’s declaration that “you are the child of a human being, and a human you shall be” has become a symbol of his secularist ideals. Even more striking was his reference to Dinkar’s verse from *Samar Shesh Hai*, which warns that neutrality in wrongdoing leads to judgment by time. “Samar shesh hai— nahi paap ka bhagi keval vyadh; Jo tatasth hain, samay likhega unka bhi apraadh,” he posted in a screen-text recitation, blending tradition with modernity.
A Life Shaped by Loss and Inquiry
Driven by curiosity, Sarthak’s journey began in Bokaro, a government steel-plant town in Jharkhand, where he grew up in a household of computer engineers. After his father’s death during Class 10, he shifted to Ranchi, where his questioning mindset took root. “After my father passed away due to cardiac arrest two years ago, I started questioning concepts like religion, philosophy, and faith,” he shared with *Newslaundry*, describing his parents as “progressive and conservative at the same time.”
His online persona, which he labels “the Internet’s kid” and “a dork,” emphasizes a rational worldview and a commitment to societal change. “My idea of society is very French revolution,” he once stated, underscoring his belief in questioning authority and seeking truth. This ethos led him to expose flaws in the CBSE’s on-screen marking system, sparking a viral campaign and drawing attention from national leaders like Rahul Gandhi, who met with him and his family.
Reforming the System, Not Just the Board
Sarthak’s actions extended beyond social media. He testified before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education and influenced policy shifts, including the transfer of CBSE’s top officers and an inquiry into the OSM vendor. While he acknowledges the role of internet activism, he maintains it should be grounded in thorough investigation. “Internet activism is okay,” he told *Hindustan Times* ahead of a planned protest, “but it should be rooted in the right kind of scrutiny.”
Despite the attention, Sarthak remains unshaken. He owns no phone, relying on his passion for computers to navigate the digital world. “I am who I am,” he wrote in a self-profile, adding, “I won’t change myself for you.” This resolve has turned him into a symbol of youthful dissent, challenging the status quo with the same fervor as poets who once shaped generations before him.