Dalit Dastak is a Hindi language news and media organization based in India that focuses on issues related to Dalits and other marginalized communities. The organization was founded in 2004 by Sudhir Dhawale, a journalist and social activist from Maharashtra, with the aim of providing a platform for Dalits to voice their concerns and raise awareness about caste-based discrimination and oppression.
Dalit Dastak publishes a weekly newspaper and maintains an active presence on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, where they share news articles, opinion pieces, and videos related to Dalit issues. The organization also conducts workshops and training programs on media literacy and digital skills for Dalit youth and advocates for greater representation of Dalits in mainstream media.
In addition to its media and advocacy work, Dalit Dastak is involved in grassroots organizing and activism, working closely with Dalit communities to provide legal aid, education, and other forms of support. The organization has been instrumental in exposing instances of caste-based violence and discrimination and has played an important role in the Dalit rights movement in India.
However, the organization has also faced opposition and harassment from authorities and upper-caste groups for its outspoken advocacy work, with its journalists and activists being arrested and charged with sedition and other charges in the past. Despite these challenges, Dalit Dastak continues to be an important voice for Dalit empowerment and social justice in India.