Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur was at the center of media frenzy in February this year when she posted her photo holding placards displaying fearless statements on social media, that became viral.  

Now, Time Magazine has hailed her as a “free speech warrior” and included her in its list of Next Generation Leaders for 2017. She is the only Indian in the list.

Gurmehar’s father, an Indian Army captain was martyred while fighting terrorists in the troubled region of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2016, her image holding the placard reading "Pakistan did not kill my dad, the war killed him" went viral.

Following this, Gurmehar received rape and death threats and became the center of a national debate on free speech. She remained fearless and refused to bow down.

In February this year, Gurmehar voiced her protest on campus violence involving the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). She posted a photo of herself on social media holding a placard saying, "I am a student from Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone."

Gurmehar, who has become an image of free speech refused to be silenced. Time Magazine quoted her as saying "Why should I keep quiet? While I never asked for it, I was pushed to the forefront. I realised that people listen to what I say. And if I have something positive to say, why shouldn't I say it?"