Raattai

Independent Knowledge Media

The spinning wheel (Raattai in Tamil) was a rebel idea when Gandhi launched it challenging the power of the day with wisdom of the commons. It was based on understanding, discernment, dialogue, and strengthened the actions of civil society. It empowered people to express their protest the colonizer, not by stepping into the street in loud gathering or grand gestures, but, through the simple meditative act of spinning within ones' own space. To take up the hardship and resolve of self-dependency, with hand crafted aesthetics, as against the easy cheap mass produced clothing that was imported.  The spinning wheel continues to be an inspiring symbol of community mobilisation through knowledge in action.

Communicating discernment to commons, creating dialogues amidst intolerance, calming wisdom while sensationalism reigns, strengthening civil society action with knowledge, and speaking truth to power is the spirit of Raattai Media. 

Through our work, we hope to make people realize the truth that they already know, to strengthen sensitivities into convictions, to consolidate affirmations into actions, to convert opinions into resolve and to transform engagement into commitments. 

Our weekly podcast brings a knowledge lens on the contemporary issues. It is a form of dialogue that seeks to de-sensationalize and un-threaten issues even as it strengthens the process of converting knowledge to action. It relies on spontaneity and conviction rather than choreography or technical finesse. Every episode is an unique conversation, every season is a new framing of the contemporary issue. 

Our publications provide new language to articulate civil action. There is a need to change not just narrative, but, also language and framework of presentation of the discourse around climate change. We co create such language and narratives, brining out regular publication in digital and print format.  

We aim to strengthen the Truth-seeking habit within each one of our listeners and readers. When news has become patron's narrative, we challenge the very need for its noisy omnipresence with a calming presence of a knowledge dialogue.

We seek various ways of engagement with the discerning public - through constant interaction, small local events, contributions, support and co-travelling. When you contribute to / purchase from / collaborate with Raattai Media, you participate in creating an independent knowledge media, not merely noisy news