- The first lady journalist of Malkangiri Jayanti Buruda’s story unfolds as a beacon of resilience, determination, and empowerment.
- Jayanti Buruda is the first tribal from Odisha to make it to Forbes India’s W-Power 2024 list for her contribution in the field of journalism.
- With the support of friends and mentors, Jayanti overcame financial constraints and pursued a degree in journalism at the Central University of Odisha, Koraput.
- In 2015, Jayanti’s journalistic career took flight when she joined a television channel as a district correspondent, marking the beginning of her journey as a changemaker and advocate for social justice.
- In 2018, she founded the Bada Didi Union, an organization dedicated to promoting girls’ education and sexual and reproductive health in Malkangiri.
- In addition to her advocacy work, Jayanti launched Jungle Rani, a ground-breaking social media platform that empowers tribal women to share their stories and experiences with the world.
- Her inclusion in Forbes India’s W-Power 2024 list and her receipt of the NWMI Fellowship for Women Journalists serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to social change and empowerment.
In the heart of Malkangiri, amidst the lush greenery and vibrant culture of tribal communities, Jayanti Buruda’s story unfolds as a beacon of resilience, determination, and empowerment. From being the first lady journalist of Malkangiri to earning a coveted spot on Forbes India’s W-Power 2024 list, Jayanti’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to social change.
Growing up in the remote village of Serpali, Jayanti faced numerous obstacles on her path to education and empowerment. Despite the resistance from her parents, who were apprehensive about her aspirations to become a journalist, Jayanti remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Fuelled by the belief that journalism could be a powerful tool for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, Jayanti defied societal norms and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and activism.
With the support of friends and mentors, Jayanti overcame financial constraints and pursued a degree in journalism at the Central University of Odisha, Koraput. Her decision to specialize in journalism was driven by a deep-seated desire to shed light on the pressing issues faced by tribal women in Malkangiri, including access to education, healthcare, and reproductive rights. Recognizing the dearth of mainstream media coverage on tribal issues, Jayanti was determined to fill the void and provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
In 2015, Jayanti’s journalistic career took flight when she joined a television channel as a district correspondent, marking the beginning of her journey as a changemaker and advocate for social justice. However, Jayanti’s commitment to empowering tribal women transcended the confines of traditional journalism. In 2018, she founded the Bada Didi Union, an organization dedicated to promoting girls’ education and sexual and reproductive health in Malkangiri. Through initiatives such as pad banks and awareness campaigns, Jayanti and her team of volunteers have made significant strides in addressing menstrual hygiene, adolescent health, and gender equality in the region.
In addition to her advocacy work, Jayanti launched Jungle Rani, a groundbreaking social media platform that empowers tribal women to share their stories and experiences with the world. With a network of 50 women from across Malkangiri, Jungle Rani has become a powerful tool for raising awareness about tribal culture, environmental conservation, and indigenous rights. Jayanti’s vision for Jungle Rani extends beyond Malkangiri, as she plans to expand its reach to other tribal-dominated districts in Odisha, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities across the state.
Jayanti’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. Her inclusion in Forbes India’s W-Power 2024 list and her receipt of the NWMI Fellowship for Women Journalists serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to social change and empowerment. As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of tribal women, Jayanti Buruda’s story remains an inspiration to us all—a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, anything is possible.
(With inputs from agencies)