In February 2020, I stood on the hallowed grounds of Harvard University, delivering a talk on “Caste and Media” at the Harvard India Conference. It was my first trip abroad, a surreal milestone for someone from my background. As I addressed an international audience, I felt the culmination of 14 years of relentless effort to amplify Dalit voices. That moment was not just a personal achievement—it was a symbolic victory for millions of voiceless individuals from my community.
My journey has been one of many firsts. I am the first postgraduate in my family, the first journalist from my village, and the first to hold a passport and travel internationally. Journalism, however, was not a planned career—it was a chance encounter. After my undergraduate studies, I came across an advertisement for the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), one of India’s premier journalism schools. Despite initial setbacks, I gained admission on my second attempt. At IIMC, young minds like mine were imbued with a dream: to wield journalism as a tool for building a more just and equitable society.
Finding My Purpose
In 2006, I began my career with India’s largest Marathi-language newspaper. However, I soon encountered systemic barriers that stifled efforts to represent marginalized voices. Moving from one newsroom to another, I realized that mainstream media, dominated by upper-caste leadership, was unlikely to give space to Dalit narratives. By 2012, it became clear that I had to choose between the stability of a salaried job and the uncertain but meaningful path of independent journalism.
The decision to leave the comfort of a steady paycheck was not easy. My growing family relied on my income, and the risks were significant. Yet, the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the community I sought to represent gave me the courage to take the plunge.
The Birth of Dalit Dastak
On July 26, 2012, I launched Dalit Dastak, starting with a website and a monthly magazine, with the support of an Ambedkarite group. The goal was clear: to provide a platform for the voiceless. Soon, I realized the power of visual media in connecting with millions of illiterate or semi-literate people who struggled with reading. This led to the creation of the Dalit Dastak YouTube channel, which today has over 1.3 million subscribers.
2012 till now, Dalit Dastak has reached millions across India, raising issues related to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, advocating for their rights, and holding power structures accountable. Our work has compelled governments to act and fostered awareness among marginalized communities about their rights.
The Road Ahead
Despite these achievements, much remains to be done. I have written for respected Indian and international publications, augmenting the reach of Dalit narratives. Yet, I know that achieving proportional representation of SC and ST communities in Indian newsrooms—approximately one-fourth of the population—is a distant dream.
My aspiration extends beyond representation. I aim to educate and mentor aspiring journalists from marginalized communities, build cooperative networks among Dalit and Adivasi journalists, and develop sustainable models for independent media. These goals, I believe, will not only amplify marginalized voices but also foster systemic change in how Indian media operates.
As a Dalit journalist, my life’s mission is to be a voice for the voiceless, advocate for equitable representation in Indian media, and create platforms that reflect the realities of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities—who collectively represent about 25% of India’s population.
Media Coverage of Dalit Dastak