2023
Violence goes viral — Dalits in Rajasthan have a new tool against atrocities, their phones
Entry type: Single project
Country/area: India
Publishing organisation: ThePrint
Organisation size: Big
Publication date: 2022-01-15
Language: English
Authors: Desk and editors.
Biography:
Award winning journalist with 6 years of experience in reporting India’s most critical issues–unemployment, gender crimes, human rights, politics, and policy.
Born and brought up in a village in Haryana, I fought my way out of the state’s stifling patriarchal set-up to reach the National Capital, becoming the first person to graduate in the family. During my college days at Delhi University, I learnt to wear the lens of English writers to examine the condition of Rural Women. In journalism, I wear both my rural and urban lenses to bring an element of critical intersectionality to my reporting and writing.
Project description:
I examined the role of social media, internet and mobile phones in centuries old caste war in the Indian state Rajasthan where atrocities against Dalits are at an all time high.
Impact reached:
The government of Rajasthan took cognizance of the report and the top cops too acknowledged and seconded the findings of the report. It helped the cases of atrocities get much needed national attention.
Techniques/technologies used:
I used the old fashioned reporting style. I started travelling in the state to get a sense of what was happening on the ground, and meanwhile I I also gathered data through various courses. I set up interviews with policy makers, activists and cops to reach conclusions. This is an outcome of a fresh perspective in old school of journalism reporting.
Context about the project:
Caste atrocities in India are not new. But the internet and mobile phones are new. Technology is sometimes a great equalizer. The story weaves the stories of those at the margins of society with a new perspective on technology.
What can other journalists learn from this project?
To look for fresh predictives while covering subjects such gender violence and caste atrocities etc. Because, the nature of crime and oppression keeps changing and we need to tell the story of change.
Project links:
https://theprint.in/features/dalits-in-rajasthan-have-new-tool-against-atrocities-phones/802429/
