In this webinar series, we dive deep into the reporting journeys of journalists who have covered critical stories on religious minorities across South Asia. The series offers a unique opportunity to understand not just the outcomes of their work, but the intricate processes, ethical considerations, and challenges they navigated to bring these stories to life.
In an age where information shapes public opinion and policy, understanding how stories are researched, developed, and told is vital. By exploring the reporting process, we gain insight into the decisions reporters make, the risks they take, and the principles that guide them in uncovering the truth. Whether you’re a journalist, a media enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories that shape our world, this series is an invitation to see the effort, thought, and courage behind the headlines.
Episode 1
Varsha and Shahzad: A Journey to Preserve Religious Heritage
What does it take to report on the silent disappearance of religious heritage sites across borders? This episode takes you behind the scenes with Shahzad Naveed from Pakistan and Varsha Torgalkar from India as they reveal how they pieced together a story that shines a light on cultural preservation amid government indifference.
The story delves into forgotten temples and churches in rural Pakistan and India, standing as silent witnesses to history but slowly falling into ruin. Shahzad recounts his trek to an abandoned gurdwara in a remote Punjabi village, navigating hostility and suspicion, while Varsha shares how she uncovered the plight of desecrated sites in Maharashtra through persistent interviews with local communities. Together, they connect the dots between neglect and the broader implications for cultural identity and heritage.
Read the story here – https://thefridaytimes.com/24-May-2024/government-apathy-is-leading-to-heritage-sites-disappearing-in-both-india-and-pakistan
Episode 2
Hamna Baig: Unmasking Exploitation in Karachi
How do you tell the stories of invisible workers? In this episode, Hamna Baig shares the behind-the-scenes process of documenting the lives of Karachi’s sanitation workers from minority Christian communities. From navigating complex sources to ensuring ethical reporting, she reveals the craft of uncovering hard truths.
Hamna story explores the resilience of sanitation workers who endure long hours in hazardous conditions for meagre wages. She talks about earning their trust over months, hearing stories of discrimination, and her ethical struggle to portray their plight without reinforcing stereotypes or presenting them as perpetual victims. Her report also highlights systemic issues, from lack of protective gear to the caste-based exploitation ingrained in these jobs, painting a vivid picture of their daily struggles.
Read the full report here.
Episode 3
Abdul Qayyum: Shedding Light on Burial Rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
What happens when even death is a struggle for dignity? Abdul Qayyum shares his experience reporting on the burial rights of religious minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offering a glimpse into the meticulous and thoughtful process behind telling such poignant stories.
Through interviews with families, religious leaders, and human rights activists, Abdul’s reporting unveils how these struggles are not isolated but a reflection of deeply rooted prejudices that marginalise minority communities in life and death alike.
Read his work here – https://peshawartoday.com/2024/05/13/religious-minorities-struggle-for-dignified-burial-rights-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa/
