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@article{181721,
        author = {Tarun Kumar Kashyap},
        title = {Television and Cinema as agents of social change: Ambedkarite ideals in Popular media},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {5630-5637},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=181721},
        abstract = {This study examines the role of television and cinema in propagating Ambedkarite ideals to foster social change in India. The pervasive influence of television and cinema in shaping societal norms and values is well-documented. In the Indian context, where media consumption is extensive, these platforms play a crucial role in reflecting and molding public consciousness. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a formative figure in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, espoused ideals centered on social justice and equality. While his contributions have been extensively studied in socio-political spheres, their representation in popular media remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how Ambedkarite ideals are portrayed in Indian television and cinema and assessing their potential as catalysts for social change.
Preliminary findings suggest a dichotomy in representation. Mainstream cinema and television often exhibit a superficial engagement with caste issues, occasionally perpetuating stereotypes or relegating Dalit characters to peripheral roles. For instance, certain popular films, while addressing caste, do so from a savior complex perspective, undermining the agency of marginalized communities. Independent and regional media, on the other hand, have made strides in authentically depicting the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities.Through qualitative content analysis, this research investigates how Ambedkarite principles are portrayed in television programs and films, and their impact on public consciousness. By analyzing narrative structures, character development, and audience reception, the study assesses the effectiveness of these media forms in challenging caste-based hierarchies and promoting social equity.},
        keywords = {Caste, Media, Television, Cinema, Popular culture, Social Justice, Ambedkarite},
        month = {June},
        }