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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

‘Internet kid’ who loves Sahir Ludhianvi, Dinkar: Behind Sarthak's CBSE probe, a quest to ‘always ask questions’

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Sarthak Sidhant, an 18-year-old blogger, gained attention for his critique of India's CBSE on-screen marking system.
  • His blog post led to a government inquiry, the transfer of top CBSE officials, and an investigation into the marking vendor.
  • Sidhant, who calls himself "the Internet's kid," is inspired by Urdu-Hindi poets and advocates for a rational approach to life.

An 18-year-old Indian blogger, Sarthak Sidhant, has become a focal point of national attention after his blog post questioning the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) new on-screen marking (OSM) system went viral. Sidhant's critique prompted swift action from the government, including the transfer of the CBSE's top two officials and an order for an inquiry into the OSM vendor and the system itself.

Can u please extend the deadline please because i was busy this week exposing you.

— Sarthak SidhantSarthak Sidhant's reply on X to the CBSE's notice about the re-evaluation deadline.

Sidhant, who refers to himself as "the Internet's kid" and "a dork," has garnered support from prominent figures, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who met with him and his family. The teenager, who hails from Bokaro and now resides in Ranchi, describes himself as having "a very rational approach of living life and thinking." His online persona is a blend of anime references, witty one-liners, and inspiration drawn from Urdu-Hindi poets like Sahir Ludhianvi and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

the Internet's kid

— Sarthak SidhantSarthak Sidhant's self-description.

His recent cheeky reply on X to the CBSE's notice about the re-evaluation deadline – "Can u please extend the deadline please because i was busy this week exposing you" – encapsulates his bold online style. Sidhant's activism stems from a deep-seated belief in questioning and a desire for transparency. He shared that his inspiration comes from Sahir Ludhianvi's humanist poetry, particularly the lines emphasizing humanity over religious identity: “Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega, Insan ki aulaad hai insaan banega” (You will neither be a Hindu nor a Muslim; you are the child of a human being, and a human you shall be).

a dork

— Sarthak SidhantSarthak Sidhant's self-description.

Sidhant's journey from a government steel-plant town to becoming a whistleblower highlights a growing trend of youth activism facilitated by digital platforms. His advocacy for a "very rational approach" and his engagement with classic poetry suggest a unique perspective shaped by both modern technology and traditional literary influences. The government's decisive response underscores the impact of his online exposé on the education system.

a very rational approach of living life and thinking

— Sarthak SidhantSarthak Sidhant's description of his approach to life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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