Dhenkanal: Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Dhenkanal on Friday organized a virtual panel discussion on ‘Towards an Equal Society’ to mark 100 years of Mooknayak.
Mooknayak, which translates to leader of voiceless, was a newspaper founded by B R Ambedkar in 1920. It became a foundation stone for the rights of Dalits.
The panellists included Dr Sudhir Gavhane, Vice-Chancellor MGM University Aurangabad; Vijay Satokar, Regional Director, IIMC Amravati; Dr Jhumpa Mukherjee, assistant professor, St Xavier’s College Kolkata; Tapan Mishra, former news editor, The Samaja, Cuttack. The e-session was moderated by Sambit Pal, assistant professor, IIMC Dhenkanal.
Stressing on the importance of Mooknayak in the life of Dalits and the voiceless, Dr Gavhane raised important questions like whether we, as a country, have been able to give equality to women or those who do not have social-economic security.
The panelists deliberated on the relevance of talking about Mooknayak in current times, the role of media and newspaper, and the current socio-economic situation of the country.
Jhumpa Mukherjee said that the media plays an important role and needs to ensure that it ignites conscience of the public to fight for the right issues.
Mooknayak represented the malaise of the caste-ridden and nationalistic perspectives that haunt India even today. It played a major role in the fight of Dalits for their voice and rights.
