Having spent early years in Panipat, I moved to New Delhi at the age of 13. I went to St. Theresa’s Convent in Karnal, better known for its most famous alumna Kalpana Chawla, before studying at Delhi’s DAV Hansraj and DPS Mathura Road schools.

I graduated with Political Science (Hons) from the Hindu College in 1990, the same year when Delhi University campus was in the grip of anti-reservation agitation and Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

I actively participated in the campus protests against the implementation of Mandal Commission report seeking reservation for OBCs. When the Ram Temple movement gained ground, fiery speeches by Sadhvi Rithambara as well as Uma Bharti inspired me to join kar sewaks in Ayodhya. However, the journey was halted by police and me along with my friends were detained and sent back from Agra.