Abhivyakti Media for Development is an innovative media organization, founded by young media activists imbued with the ideals of social transformation and development. Established in 1987, Abhivyakti has been instrumental in connecting with civil society organisations, community-based grassroots groups, social movements, and social activists, and capacitating them to use communication and media effectively for social action.

Abhivyakti has been championing the cause of marginalized and grassroots groups for more than two decades. They have been trying to strengthen the voices of the voiceless through diverse media like video, photography, audio, publications, and now community radio. They believe these voices have a right to be brought into the public sphere and be heard. Their stories are important for their democracy, to make it vibrant and inclusive.

Abhivyakti has always been in the forefront to capture their stories in various hues, colours and forms. They have discovered enormous strength and resilience in the struggles of the people: their different ways of living, beliefs and practices. Their intrinsic knowledge coming from their lived experiences is an important source for them to understand their rich heritage and tradition and devise ways to integrate it into our socio-political discourses on development and democracy.

Their Philosophy

Underlying Abhivyakti’s work are certain core values: a secular outlook, sensitivity to gender, caste, religion and racial oppression, commitment towards a plural media environment, and egalitarian and transformative approaches. They believe these are important in the media context as conventional media has tended to be modern but not necessarily socially transformative.

Abhivyakti has also attempted to think beyond narrow definitions of ‘media’ and address issues relating to social communication. They consciously uphold and privilege the standpoint of underprivileged and oppressed sections of society. These sections have been the focus of their activities and also our working partners in a number of projects. Their motto –‘media for development’ – thus becomes relevant and significant in the context of their focus group. Abhivyakti has tried to demystify media and make it a viable tool for common people, especially for the marginalised. Abhivyakti has fostered open, transparent, learning-oriented, collegial culture both within the organization and outside. It has aimed to promote these elements in the sphere of its influence.