New Delhi, December 2024 — Meena Kotwal, a trailblazing journalist and founder of The Mooknayak, continues her fight to amplify the voices of India’s marginalized communities despite mounting threats and financial challenges. Four years after establishing the platform, Kotwal now fears for the safety of her daughter and the future of her publication.

Kotwal, a Dalit journalist, launched The Mooknayak in 2021 to address issues of caste, gender, and inequality often ignored by mainstream Indian media. However, her mission has come at a cost. “The threats I face are relentless, but I’m most concerned for my daughter’s safety,” Kotwal says, referencing abusive messages and violent threats she has received since filing a police complaint in 2022. Despite providing evidence, no arrests have been made—a delay she attributes to systemic caste discrimination.

A Voice for the Marginalized

Dalits, considered the lowest rung in India’s caste hierarchy, continue to face widespread discrimination and violence despite constitutional safeguards. Kotwal’s platform highlights these issues through investigative reports, policy analyses, and grassroots coverage. Employing reporters from Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized communities, The Mooknayak operates in both Hindi and English, aiming to bridge the gap left by conventional news outlets.

The platform has made significant impacts. In 2021, The Mooknayak broke the story of a nine-year-old Dalit girl’s alleged rape and murder, forcing authorities to act and drawing nationwide attention. Other reports have led to electrification of neglected neighborhoods and the release of funds for Dalit youth entrepreneurship.

Despite these achievements, The Mooknayak has faced financial difficulties, largely due to declining public donations after a targeted online hate campaign. Kotwal has had to reduce her team from 20 to six journalists.

Legacy of Resistance

Kotwal named her platform after a century-old newspaper established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights. The new Mooknayak continues this legacy, but Kotwal acknowledges the uphill battle. “We’re not aiming for viewership but for impact,” she asserts, describing her work as a long and solitary fight.

Kotwal’s experiences reflect broader systemic issues in Indian journalism. Dalits hold no leadership positions in mainstream media, and upper-caste journalists dominate the bylines. Platforms like The Mooknayak challenge this imbalance, but they remain underfunded and vulnerable.

International Recognition and Growing Impact

In a significant recognition of Kotwal’s work, the prestigious Harvard University Nieman Reports published an in-depth feature on The Mooknayak and its founder. The report highlights the platform’s struggle against caste-based discrimination and its dedication to giving voice to marginalized communities in India. This acknowledgment by Nieman Reports reflects the platform’s growing influence and the importance of its role in challenging mainstream media narratives.

A Determined Future

Despite the challenges, Kotwal is undeterred. She has received international recognition, including invitations to speak at Harvard and Columbia. Her dedication resonates with marginalized communities across India, many of whom have supported The Mooknayak through small, personal donations.

As Kotwal moves forward, she remains resolute in her mission. “Even if I have to continue this alone, I will,” she says. Her journey underscores the vital role of independent, inclusive media in addressing India’s deep-seated inequalities.