Aditya Mishra Selected for the 2025 May 18 Academy in South Korea: A Rising Voice for Human Rights and Democracy

Varanasi, India | July 2025

We are proud to announce that Aditya Mishra, a young and committed human rights law student from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, has been selected as a final participant for the prestigious 2025 May 18 Academy, hosted by the May 18 Foundation in Gwangju, South Korea.

This international educational and exchange program brings together emerging activists from around the globe who are dedicated to the promotion of human rights, democracy, and social justice.

🌍 About the May 18 Academy

Held annually in memory of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the Academy empowers youth leaders and activists through learning, dialogue, and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2025 edition will take place from August 25 to 29 in Gwangju, the symbolic city of Korea’s pro-democracy movement.

Aditya is among the 16 exceptional participants selected worldwide—from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, and China. He is the only delegate from India, representing the voice of South Asian youth in the global human rights discourse.

The final list of selected participants is now available on our official website.

Visit: https://tinyurl.com/2dhm7h5m

👨‍⚖️ Who is Aditya Mishra?

Aditya is a second-year B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) student with a passion for constitutional law, public justice, and grassroots legal advocacy. He has been actively involved in various human rights initiatives in India, especially through his internships and fieldwork with:

• People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

• Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN)

• District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Prayagraj

Working under the mentorship of Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, co-awardee of the 2007 Gwangju Human Rights Prize, Aditya has developed hands-on experience in:

• Researching custodial violence and torture

• Drafting comparative legal analysis on IPC/BNS and CrPC/BNSS reforms

• Recording victim testimonies and supporting community-based justice interventions

• Promoting health rights, kitchen gardens, and legal empowerment in Dalit and tribal areas

🎯 Selection Without Interview: A Testament to Excellence

The May 18 Academy team acknowledged Aditya’s deep sincerity, thoughtful application, and clearly demonstrated activism—which led them to waive the interview round entirely. His written materials alone reflected the kind of passion, purpose, and legal knowledge that the Academy values.

🛫 What Lies Ahead?

Aditya will soon travel to Gwangju, where he will engage in five days of intensive workshops, field visits, and international networking with fellow activists. Topics will include:

• Transitional justice and memorialization

• Democratic movements in Asia and beyond

• Human rights law and civic resistance

• International solidarity for peace and reconciliation

With official support from the May 18 Foundation, including visa facilitation, travel arrangements, and accommodation, Aditya’s journey marks the beginning of a promising international chapter.

💬 Words of Support

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, founder of PVCHR, shared:

“Aditya represents the spirit of the next generation—legally sharp, socially grounded, and globally engaged. His selection is a proud moment for our entire human rights network in India.”

📌 Final Thoughts

Aditya Mishra’s selection to the May 18 Academy is not just a personal achievement—it is a milestone for Indian youth in international human rights advocacy. As he prepares to represent India on the global stage, his story inspires students, activists, and legal practitioners to keep pushing for justice, dignity, and democracy.

Stay tuned as we follow Aditya’s journey to Gwangju, and join us in wishing him all the best in this important global mission.