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In an era where the digital world offers an open stage for all voices, marginalized communities in India are breaking through barriers, telling their stories, and challenging the mainstream narrative. Among these, Dalit journalists have emerged as powerful voices, creating their own platforms to spotlight issues that traditional media have long ignored. One such voice is Sumit Chauhan, the founder of DalitView, a YouTube channel that now commands a significant following.
Sumit’s journey from a mainstream TV newsroom to becoming a digital media pioneer is emblematic of a larger movement among Dalit journalists. "When I started in journalism, it was a dream come true. But the reality of working in a caste-biased industry hit hard," Sumit recalls. "My ideas were dismissed, and my identity was often a barrier. I realized that if I wanted to tell the stories that mattered to my community, I would have to create my own platform."
DalitView is part of a growing network of Dalit-run media channels that have flourished in recent years. These platforms, including The Bahujan Chronicles and SRE Media, have become essential sources of news and analysis from a Dalit perspective. These outlets focus on issues often neglected by mainstream media, such as caste discrimination, social justice, and the real impacts of government policies on marginalized communities.
The rise of these platforms coincides with a broader digital revolution in India, where access to the internet has democratized information dissemination. However, the challenges remain significant. "Funding is always an issue," says Manish Kumar, who runs SRE Media from Saharanpur. "Unlike the mainstream media, we don’t have corporate backers or large advertising budgets. We rely on our community and social media revenue, but it’s a constant struggle." Despite these obstacles, these platforms are gaining traction.
During the recent elections, DalitView and SRE Media were on the ground, covering stories that mainstream channels overlooked. Their focus on issues such as unemployment, health infrastructure, and caste-based violence resonated with viewers. "Our reporting is not just about Dalit issues; it’s about how all issues affect Dalits," Manish explains.
"We look at everything through the lens of our community’s experience." This approach has led to a growing audience that trusts these platforms for their authenticity and commitment to social justice. "We are not just an alternative media anymore," says Manoj Antani of Samta Awaz TV. "We are the real media.
Our viewers come to us because they know we speak the truth. And it’s only a matter of time before our viewership surpasses that of the mainstream channels." The shift in Dalit media from educational tools to mass awareness platforms is significant. Raees Mohammad, founder of Dalit Camera, notes this evolution. "Earlier, Dalit media was about educating our community. Now, it’s about reaching a broader audience and creating a mass movement.
We are addressing internal divisions within the Dalit community while also challenging the mainstream narratives." This new wave of Dalit journalism is rooted in a long history of resistance. Publications like Mooknayak and Bahishkrut Bharat laid the groundwork in the early 20th century, using the press to challenge caste oppression and mobilize public opinion. Today’s digital platforms are the inheritors of this legacy, adapting it to the modern context and using technology to amplify their reach. Despite the progress, challenges remain. The financial sustainability of these platforms is a constant concern.
"We are doing this work out of passion and necessity," Sumit says. "But we need support, both from within our community and from allies who believe in our mission." As these voices continue to grow, they are not just telling the stories of their communities; they are reshaping the entire media landscape in India. The rise of Dalit media is a powerful reminder that in the digital age, the power to tell stories—and to shape narratives—belongs to everyone. And as these platforms continue to expand, their impact on Indian society will only increase, challenging the status quo and paving the way for a more inclusive and just media environment. But this movement isn't confined to the Dalit community alone. Other marginalized groups, inspired by the success of Dalit media, are also creating their own platforms. Adivasi, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities are following suit, realizing the potential of digital media to amplify their voices.
These groups are forming alliances, sharing resources, and learning from each other's experiences to strengthen their collective presence. The result is a vibrant, diverse media landscape that reflects the true spectrum of India's social fabric. The mainstream media, long dominated by upper-caste voices, is starting to feel the pressure. Traditional news outlets are being forced to confront their biases and rethink their coverage strategies. Some are even beginning to collaborate with these grassroots media platforms, recognizing their deep connection with underrepresented communities. This convergence of mainstream and alternative media could signal the beginning of a new era in Indian journalism—one that values diversity, equity, and the power of storytelling from all corners of society.
As the digital revolution continues to unfold, the future of media in India looks more diverse and dynamic than ever before. The rise of platforms like DalitView is not just a story of resistance; it's a story of resilience, innovation, and the unstoppable force of people determined to be heard. These voices are changing the narrative—one story at a time—and in doing so, they are changing the world