Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s Writing with Fire brings India a Peabody Award in the documentary category.
The Oscar-nominated Indian documentary shone in the Peabody Awards 2022 which were announced on Wednesday. The Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh-directed documentary stood among the thirty-five selected ones.
The directors need to be praised for their sense of the field, they have delved deep enough to show us the pearl they wanted us to mesmerize with, and the frames they have showcased are nothing but savory. They have paved the way for an idyllic journey enchanting the audience.
The documentary captures the socio-economic and political scenarios of northern India and how an only female-run news outlet struggles to get their news and win credibility in the hearts of people. The caste complex of India runs deep within the rural equilibrium and has surfaced eloquently asserting that the Khabar Lahariya women have learned to ride the wave of their being Dalit and a woman in a male-dominated profession.
They are even seen adjusting to the digital wave and adapting to changing times even confronting their rural and household patriarchs. Fearlessly they ask questions to the men around them and record their impressions. The fact that rural women possess that amount of critical thinking and reasoning abilities is startling.
Khabar Lahariya has been empowering rural women through news reporting. In the vast landscape of Indian media, there exists a shining beacon of change and empowerment called Khabar Lahariya. Founded in 2002, this women-run news outlet has been revolutionizing journalism in rural India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states. With a mission to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, Khabar Lahariya has become a catalyst for change, challenging gender norms and empowering rural women through their unique brand of grassroots reporting.
‘Challenging’ traditional notions of ‘Who can be a journalist? ‘
The news outlet has shattered traditional barriers by providing a platform for rural women to become journalists. Through rigorous training and mentorship, these brave women have emerged as fearless storytellers, reporting on crucial issues that affect their communities. By enabling rural women to express their views and experiences, Khabar Lahariya has given them agency and a sense of ownership over their narratives.
One of the remarkable aspects is its dedication to giving voice to the voiceless. The news outlet highlights the stories and struggles of marginalized communities, shedding light on issues such as women’s rights, caste discrimination, governance, and social inequality. By focusing on these neglected narratives, Khabar Lahariya has become a catalyst for social change, fostering awareness and empathy among its readership.