Devendra Nath Mahto is a young student leader from Jharkhand who has become the voice of thousands of frustrated aspirants in the state. At just 33 years old, he is known for his fearless activism and his fight against irregularities in government recruitment exams. Many people now call him Jharkhand’s very own “Sonam Wangchuk” because of his hunger strike and peaceful protest methods.
Born in a small village in Ranchi district, Mahto grew up in a family that valued education and honesty. His father was a government school teacher, and those values shaped his life. Over the years, Mahto has not only studied deeply—earning multiple postgraduate degrees—but also stepped forward to lead students in their demand for fair exams and corruption-free recruitment.
Devendra Nath Mahto Age, Family, BIO, Career, Protest
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devendra Nath Mahto |
| Known As | Jharkhand’s “Sonam Wangchuk” |
| Profession | Student Leader, Social Activist |
| Age (as of 2026) | 36 years |
| Date of Birth | 1990 |
| Birthplace | Kapidih village, Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Father | Bishambhar Mahto (Retired Government Teacher) |
| Education | Postgraduate Degrees in Sanskrit, Kurmali, Tribal & Regional Languages; B.Ed. from Hazaribagh |
| Alma Mater | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi |
| Activism Start Year | 2015 |
| Key Issues | Recruitment exam irregularities, scholarship cuts, reservation rules |
| Major Movement | Hunger Strike (August 2026) against JPSC & JSSC exam irregularities |
| Political Participation | Contested 2024 Lok Sabha elections (Independent, Ranchi); Contested Assembly elections (Tamar & Silli) |
| Organization | JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch |
| Protest Style | Non-violent Satyagraha, inspired by Gandhian methods |
| Notable Event | Indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi (Aug 2026) |
| @dvendranath |
Early Life and Background
In the year 1990, Devendra Mahto was born in Kapidih village in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. His childhood was shaped by the values of education and honesty. His father, Bishambhar Mahto, worked as a government school teacher and later retired. Growing up in a household where learning was respected, Devendra naturally developed a deep interest in studies and social issues.
Resources were limited, and opportunities were scarce. But Mahto’s upbringing gave him resilience. He saw how ordinary families struggled with unemployment and lack of transparency in recruitment. These early experiences planted the seeds of activism in him.
Education Journey
Education has always been central to Devendra Mahto’s life. He completed his schooling in Bundu, a small town near Ranchi. Later, he joined Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University in Ranchi, where he pursued higher studies with great dedication.
Mahto is not just a student leader; he is also a scholar. He holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kurmali, and Tribal and Regional Languages. To strengthen his teaching skills, he completed a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Hazaribagh. This combination of degrees shows his commitment to both education and social reform.
Entry into Student Activism
Devendra Nath Mahto’s activism began in 2015, when he noticed how recruitment exams in Jharkhand were being conducted without fairness. Many students complained about irregularities, delays, and corruption. For young aspirants, these exams were the only way to secure government jobs, yet the system seemed broken.
Mahto stepped forward to raise his voice. He organized small protests, spoke to fellow students, and demanded that the government follow proper reservation rules. His activism was not about personal gain; it was about justice for thousands of young people who felt cheated. Over time, his leadership style—calm, determined, and focused—won him respect among students.
Political Aspirations
Mahto’s activism naturally led him into politics. He believed that change could not happen without entering the system. In 2024, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Ranchi as an Independent candidate. Though he did not win, his campaign gave him visibility and showed his commitment to public service.
Later, he contested the Jharkhand Assembly elections from Tamar and Silli constituencies. Again, victory was not his immediate goal. His participation was symbolic—it showed that student leaders could also aspire to legislative power. For many young people, this was inspiring.
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The Jharkhand Recruitment Exam Controversy
The biggest issue that brought Mahto into the spotlight was the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) exams. For years, students complained about paper leaks, corruption, and irregularities.
By 2026, frustration had reached its peak. The 14th JPSC Preliminary Exam became the center of controversy, with allegations of unfair practices. Students demanded cancellation of the exam and a transparent investigation. Mahto became the face of this movement, leading protests under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch.
Hunger Strike and Satyagraha
On 2 August 2026, Devendra began an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Inspired by Gandhian methods and Sonam Wangchuk’s NEET protest, he decided to use non-violent resistance to demand justice.
The hunger strike was not just about exams. It was about dignity, fairness, and the future of Jharkhand’s youth. Students from across the state joined him, turning the protest into a mass movement. The sight of young aspirants sitting with him, refusing food, became a powerful symbol of resistance.
Key Demands of the Movement
The student movement led by Mahto had clear demands. They wanted the 14th JPSC Preliminary Exam cancelled, as they believed it was conducted unfairly. They also asked for a CBI and ED investigation into recruitment scams, so that accountability could be ensured.
Another demand was for a transparent and corruption-free recruitment system. Students wanted exams to be conducted with strict rules, fair evaluation, and no leaks. They wanted to prove their merit without being overshadowed by corruption.
End of Hunger Strike
On 5 August 2026, after several days of fasting, Mahto ended his hunger strike. The decision came after an appeal from Sonam Wangchuk, who urged him to protect his health while continuing the fight in other ways.
Mahto agreed, but he did not stop protesting. He shifted to a symbolic fast, surviving on water and salt, while continuing sit-ins and marches. This showed his flexibility—he was willing to adapt, but not willing to give up.
Interesting Facts About Devendra Nath Mahto
- He is often called Jharkhand’s Sonam Wangchuk.
- Holds multiple postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kurmali, and Tribal Languages.
- Contested both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
- Began activism in 2015 against scholarship cuts.
- His father is a retired government teacher.
- His hunger strike in August 2026 lasted several days and drew national attention.
- He continues to demand corruption-free recruitment exams.
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