Dalit Dastak, an Indian media outlet founded in June 2012 by Ashok Kumar alias Ashok Das, has emerged as a prominent voice for minority communities, including Dalits, Bahujans, and Tribals. Initially established as a monthly magazine, it has expanded its presence to include a news website and a YouTube channel with over a million subscribers. It enjoys a considerable following on other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The media outlet focuses on highlighting systemic caste discrimination in India through its reporting and opinion articles. It sheds light on the rights of marginalized communities and showcases the accomplishments of individuals from these backgrounds. Founder Ashok Das emphasizes the outlet’s role in addressing stories that mainstream media often overlooks, forcing them to confront subjects they would otherwise ignore.
In 2022, Dalit Dastak was funded by Google News Initiative to expand its work. In 2022 itself, Dalit Dastak was selected for the News Video Accelerator Program organized by YouTube and Ping Digital Broadcast Pvt Ltd. And Dalit Dastak was included by YouTube India as a news organization providing accurate information. Dalit Dastak received Mooknayak Excellency in Journalism Award by USA based organisation ANNA in 2020.
Editor of Dalit Dastak Mr. Ashok Kumar alias Ashok Das has received the fellowship for the Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) organized by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) in Gothenburg, Sweden in 18-23 September 2023.
Media Coverage of Dalit Dastak