Dalits in Indian Print Media: Unravelling (Mis)(Re) presentation and Distortion

The Indian media landscape has long been characterized by the entrenched dominance of certain castes, significantly influencing our daily experiences and perceptions of the world. This research endeavours to spark a critical dialogue on the (mis)(re)presentation and re-presentation of Dalits in Indian print media, spanning from the pre-independence era to the present day, by scrutinizing who has a place at the table in shaping and disseminating news. This study argues that the systematic exclusion of marginalized caste communities, particularly Dalits, from media access and representation reflects the structural reproduction of caste hierarchies within Indian journalism. It substantiates this argument through an analysis of Ambedkar’s critique of the press and journalistic writings, complemented by empirical evidence from reports by Oxfam India–Newslaundry and The Hindu . Towards the end, the article highlights the transformative power of the internet—a shift from print to the digital age, emphasizing the burgeoning influence of Ambedkarite voices that are propelling a liberating framework while reclaiming their unique worldview in the media industry.