Merab Vilomina Manu, Knowledge Hub
The NBR-IPLC Media Program at Keystone Foundation aims to build Adivasi-led journalism and storytelling, amplifying indigenous voices in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The first workshop, held March 3rd and 4th, 2026, hosted 10 participants and three facilitators.. Participants arrived from various parts of the NBR including Sigur, Nilambur, Upper Nilgiris, Pillur and Hasanur. Three men and seven women took part with two women from Wayanad joining later.
We put together references from digital and print mediums and engaged the participants in reading, photo and writing activities.
Jeyanthi R, Shawn JS and I conducted the workshop over two days, in three languages; Tamil, Malayalam and English and addressed journalism in three formats: Long form, Photo Stories and Film.
Building a Collective for Future Media Engagement:
Participants were required to write profiles of each other, participate in group discussions and bonding activities and over two days of learning together, became familiar and friendly with each other.
The workshop allowed us and the cohort to identify local issues needing more news coverage and attention. By identifying issues early and localizing journalism, participants honed critical thinking and highlighted important community concerns.
The group reflected on the collective’s future and, though nascent, showed enthusiasm to continue developing skills and engaging with media. We remain in touch while planning the next workshop within two months, and stories from the NBR are underway.
