Digital Asia and Activism

The Role of Emerging ICT in India

In Rachel Jolley’s, “India Calling” in Digital Activism Asia The Revolution Will not be tweeted, the author discusses the role of new information and communications technology (ICT) in India, particularly rural villages. In her article, Jolley describes a network of disposable phones that are used as a means of broadcasting breaking news to India’s overlooked rural population. Similarly, in Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla’s documentary, An Insignificant Man, the democratizing effects of social media are further investigated and observed within the context of political activism and organization. Throughout the documentary, the film documents the rise in power of the AAP party, founded by Arvind Kejriwal, in opposition to political corruption and the longstanding party of Congress. Though the film depicts a triumphant image of the benefits brought about by more accessible ICT, namely through the successful election of Arvind Kejriwal to the position of Chief Minister of Dehli, it does not shy away from illuminating the trappings of instantaneous communication and conditioned impulsivity. For example, in one scene, the AAP party can be found scrambling to respond to the public's demands that the AAP deliver on promises that Arvind had tweeted in exchange for the support of their party: a promise of decreased utility bills and free water that he had made impulsively and without the consensus of his peers. This challenge of responsibility is not necessarily depicted as negative, however, as it may be seen as an actionable method for demanding greater transparency from authority and authoritative figures.

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