Umar Khalid wife: Biography, Real Name, Education, Family, Relationship, Net Worth and More
Banojyotsna Lahiri is a prominent Indian researcher, sociologist, and activist, widely recognized as the long-term partner of student leader and activist Umar Khalid. While often searched for as Umar Khalid’s wife, the couple is not legally married but has shared a committed relationship for over a decade. Banojyotsna has been a vocal advocate for civil rights and has stood firmly by Khalid’s side during his incarceration in connection with the Delhi riots case.
Who is Banojyotsna Lahiri?
Banojyotsna Lahiri is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Equity Studies in New Delhi and a former faculty member at Ambedkar University and Jamia Millia Islamia. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where she first met Umar Khalid. In recent years, she has emerged as a key figure in the public sphere, tirelessly campaigning for the release of political prisoners and sharing the personal toll of state repression on families and partners.
Banojyotsna Lahiri Age – How Old is She?
As of 2026, Banojyotsna Lahiri is approximately 41–42 years old. Reports from 2023 described her as a 39-year-old research scholar, placing her birth year around 1983 or 1984. She was born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Banojyotsna Lahiri Biography / Wiki Table
The following table provides a quick overview of Banojyotsna Lahiri’s personal and professional details.
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Banojyotsna Lahiri |
| Profession | Researcher, Sociologist, Activist |
| Education | Ph.D. in Sociology (JNU) |
| Partner | Umar Khalid (dating since 2013) |
| Hometown | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Current Residence | New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism (born into a Brahmin family) |
Early Life and Background
Banojyotsna Lahiri was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, to a progressive middle-class family. Her father was a biology teacher, and she grew up in an environment that valued education and critical thinking. She moved to New Delhi to pursue higher studies, eventually enrolling at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a campus known for its vibrant political activism.
Banojyotsna Lahiri Education
Banojyotsna has a strong academic background in the social sciences.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): She completed her Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) and later her Ph.D. in Sociology in 2014. Her doctoral thesis was titled “Struggle Over Forests: State, Adivasis and Political Economy in Jharkhand”.
- Teaching Career: Following her doctorate, she taught sociology at several prestigious institutions, including Lady Shri Ram College, Ambedkar University Delhi, and IP College for Women.
Banojyotsna Lahiri Career Journey
Banojyotsna is a dedicated academic and researcher. She currently works as a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Equity Studies, a non-profit organization focused on social justice and minority rights. Her work often involves studying marginalized communities and state policy.
Beyond her academic career, she became an “accidental activist” following the arrest of her partner, Umar Khalid. Since his incarceration in September 2020 under the UAPA, she has effectively managed his legal battles, media interactions, and public campaigns for his release. She frequently writes opinion pieces and gives interviews to highlight the plight of political prisoners in India.
Banojyotsna Lahiri Physical Appearance – Table
While specific physical statistics are not publicly documented, the following general details are known.
| Feature | Details |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 4 inches (estimated) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Attire | Often seen in traditional cotton sarees/Kurtas |
Banojyotsna Lahiri Family and Relationship
Banojyotsna and Umar Khalid’s relationship is a testament to resilience. They first met in 2008 at JNU and started dating in 2013. Despite coming from different religious backgrounds—she is a Hindu Bengali and he is a Muslim—their families have been supportive of their union.
| Family Member | Name/Status |
| Partner | Umar Khalid (Activist, Former JNU Student) |
| Father | Biology Teacher (Name not public) |
| Mother | Homemaker/Teacher |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (Partnered) |
The couple has spent much of their relationship navigating political turmoil. As Banojyotsna stated in an interview, they have moved from “dating to court dates,” meeting primarily across glass partitions in Tihar Jail since 2020.
Net Worth
As a researcher and academic in the non-profit sector, Banojyotsna Lahiri’s net worth is not public knowledge. Her income is derived from her research positions and teaching assignments. She lives a modest life in Delhi, dedicating her resources and time to the legal defense of her partner and her social work.
