Caste, digital journalism and dalit consciousness

This paper studies the effect of ‘digital democracy’ and ‘participatory journalism’ on the public discourse in India, especially in the context of a digital divide. It examines the possibility of online media offering alternative or contradictory discourses to conventional media, with a particular focus on the emergence of online dalit mobilisation and its implications for political communication and activism. The study talks about the ‘new wave of subalternity’ in digital media with a focus on digital media as a site of identity formation and dalit voices. It recognises socio-economic stratification across castes, which impedes the democratic possibilities of ICT, along with an exploration of how digital discourse proposes critical discussions on issues of identity, agency and representation. Ultimately, the research demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to improve democratic participation and inclusive political participation of dalits.