This Tribal-Led Media Platform Is Fixing Roads, Rights & Representation in Maharashtra

In the tribal heartland of Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, a quiet revolution is underway. Here, a group of passionate community members is transforming the way tribal communities connect with governance and the world.

Through captivating videos, films, and documentaries, they are creating a hyperlocal communication network that empowers tribes to address everyday challenges and engage with the government like never before.

The genesis of Aadiwasi Janjagruti

In 2016, Nitesh Bhardwaj arrived in Dhadgaon as part of a fellowship programme. A filmmaker by passion, Nitesh began teaching local high school students how to shoot and edit videos using just mobile phones. Their first project, a simple zero-budget video, garnered unexpected attention and laid the foundation for what would become Aadiwasi Janjagruti.

The turning point came with a video highlighting child labour. The community's response was immediate and profound, revealing the power of storytelling in driving social awareness and change.

Empowering through visual storytelling

Recognising the potential of visual media, Nitesh teamed up with local residents Rakesh and Arjun Pawara. Together, they formed a team dedicated to creating content that addressed pressing local issues. Using basic mobile phones, they produced videos in indigenous languages like Pawari, Bhilori, and Ahirani, covering topics such as:

• Child labour
  
• Sanitation and hygiene
  
• Corruption and governance
  
• Access to government schemes
  

These videos were screened during village meetings, sparking discussions and prompting collective action.

Bridging the gap between community and governance

Aadiwasi Janjagruti's efforts led to tangible outcomes:

• Water Accessibility: In Aamkhedi village, women walked kilometres daily to fetch water. A video highlighting this issue prompted authorities to install six borewells.
  
• Infrastructure Development: A stalled road project in Umrani village was completed after the team's video brought attention to the issue.
  
• Bridge Construction: A 16-year-delayed bridge project in Dhadgaon received government sanction of ₹45-47 crore following a series of videos by the team.

These successes underscore the initiative's role in facilitating communication between the community and government officials.

Fostering leadership and representation

Beyond media production, Aadiwasi Janjagruti has been instrumental in nurturing local leadership:

• Political Participation: Fourteen team members have been elected to local government positions, reflecting the community's trust in their dedication.
  
• Women's Empowerment: Volunteers like Savi Pawara have become influential figures, especially among women, encouraging them to voice their concerns and participate in governance.

Expanding reach and recognition

From its humble beginnings, Aadiwasi Janjagruti has grown to encompass over 170 villages, with 47 trained tribal community members leading the change. The initiative has received support from organisations like the Azim Premji Foundation, Google News Initiative, and YouTube India, enabling them to expand their reach and improve operations.

Despite these accolades, the team remains grounded. As Nitesh puts it, "We don't want to be world-famous; we just want to be 'Dhadgaon famous'."

A model for community-driven change

Aadiwasi Janjagruti exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can drive meaningful change. By empowering communities to tell their own stories, they have:

• Enhanced access to information and government schemes
  
• Improved infrastructure and public services
  
• Fostered political participation and leadership
  
• Preserved and promoted indigenous languages and cultures
  

Their journey demonstrates that when communities take control of their narratives, they can effectively address challenges and shape their futures.

Edited by Khushi Arora