the clean hands project

The Clean Hands ProjectA Visual Media Venture in a New Nepal

The Clean Hands Project

The Clean Hands Project is a unique visual media initiative meant to empower and mobilize Nepali Dalits. Media activists Jes Therkelsen and Phoebe Gilpin, in collaboration with the Jagaran Media Center in Nepal, and the Advocacy Project in Washington DC, provided thirteen Nepali activists and journalists, who are part of the Dalit untouchable caste, the opportunity and training to use professional video and photography equipment within their communities. Since democracy took hold in Nepal in 1990 and with the collapse of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has experienced a period of intense transformation. The Dalit movement, which strives for equality among all peoples, has actively applied pressure on the newly formed government to keep Dalit interests protected. Thus far, visual media has not played as notable a role as other forms of media. In three months, these one-on-one workshops produced over 4000 photographs and 60 hours of video footage. These images have traveled across the world from small Nepali villages to reach your eyes. To learn more go to http://www.cleanhandsproject.com.

A Visual Media Venture in a New Nepal

Photo by JB Bishwakarma

The Advocacy Project seeks to produce social change by helping marginalized communities to become advocates for social justice and claim their rights

Since 2000, The Jagaran Media Center has been a leader, innovator, and centralizing figure in the Nepali Dalit social movement. Through the creative use of print and electronic journalism, radio broadcasts, and television programming, JMC continues to combat caste based discrimination by generating local and global awareness of Dalit issues and empowering talented Dalit journalists, writers, artists, and professionals. JMC organizes campaigns, assemblies, and protests in an effort to continue placing pressure on the government (and Nepali society) to end the severe social exclusion brought upon by the archaic and oppressive caste hierarchy.

Sensory Media Arts, founded by Jes Therkelsen and Phoebe Gilpin, is a media production outfit based in Washington DC. Our work attempts to embraces the powerful immediacy and influence of visual and auditory media while regarding its artistic potential. Touching on issues such as human rights, sustainable development and environmental justice, we maintain the hope that our work is a rediscovery that life is beautiful, intricate and always around us if we stop to sense.

Collaborators


Sensory Media Arts

Jagaran Media Center

Advocacy Project

This project is dedicated to those within the frame. And to those on the outside, too.

Photo by Jes Therkelsen

All information on this page provided by Jagaran Media Center.

The concept of caste has existed in South Asia for millenia. Though this socio-religious hierarchy had originated as a method of "division of labor", it has, in the modern age, served as a means of subjugation and disempowerment – especially for the lowest strata in the caste system, the Dalit.

• 22 % of the population of Nepal is from the Dalit community.• 80 % of the Dalit population lives below the poverty line.• Literacy rate amongst Dalits is 23% against the national average of 54%.• The average life expectancy of Dalits is 50.8 years against the national average of 58 years..• Per capita income of Dalits is Rs. 4949 (±$ 67) against Rs. 7673 (± $ 100) national average.

Dalit means oppressed, downtrodden and exploited. Members of the Dalit community (who have been defined by society as "untouchables") have been relentlessly denied social, political, religious, and economic rights. In addition to the systematic abuses perpetuated by society, Nepali Dalits have been forced to contend with the institutionalized discrimination conducted by the State. For centuries, numerous Nepali governing bodies and individual leaders have made it impossible for Dalits to achieve even nominal independence, often reducing them to little more than slaves and bonded laborers. It was illegal for Dalits to get education, use "public" resources, and to own their own land. They were often coerced to work for the high-caste Hindus at meager wages – if any wage was provided. These oppressive laws were finally repealed in 1963, but even then little is done by the state to improve the Dalits' lot.

Who are Dalits?

Dalit Facts

The Dalit MovementLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer dignissim. Maecenas viverra magna eget magna. Aenean ac ante ut erat tempor mattis. Aliquam erat volutpat. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam accumsan accumsan enim. Nulla facilisi. Mauris gravida mauris at dolor. Nam fermentum. Donec vitae massa. Fusce dapibus mollis felis. Ut egestas libero a odio. Cras nisl nunc, interdum sit amet, cursus eget, tincidunt at, dui.

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Vivamus in eros sit amet leo mollis semper. Donec eros odio, ornare quis, laoreet vitae, lacinia ac, sem. Nam diam. Praesent volutpat, leo at tempor condimentum, leo libero bibendum neque, a scelerisque libero nisl ut risus. Praesent eget velit. Sed mauris ligula, viverra sed, aliquet eu, gravida viverra, sapien. Sed quis nisl. Phasellus eu arcu. Ut ante. Mauris libero. Vestibulum gravida erat in mauris sollicitudin ultricies. Proin lobortis, pede nec adipiscing fringilla, nisl erat porta lectus, vitae dictum orci felis facilisis magna. Nunc scelerisque sodales diam. Nulla facilisi. Quisque nulla orci, aliquam non, imperdiet quis, malesuada in, pede.

"Nepal is in a time of transformation. Much like 18th

Century America or 20th Century

India."


Photo by Dipendra Paswan

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Morbi lobortis tellus et lacus. Etiam sem nulla, suscipit non, vestibulum vel, tincidunt rhoncus, eros. Aliquam tellus nunc, ornare sed, scelerisque vehicula, rutrum at, mi. Nunc rhoncus consectetur dolor. Etiam sit amet dui. Pellentesque ut lacus quis metus convallis faucibus. Aenean semper mollis eros. Maecenas nec mauris. Nunc vestibulum pulvinar arcu. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Ut nec mi. Donec venenatis orci ac quam. Phasellus aliquet porta nibh. Quisque erat lectus, dapibus at, sollicitudin nec, lacinia sit amet, odio.

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Suvash Darnal is founder of the Jagaran Media Center and a internationally recognized leader of the Dalit movement.

"Maybe not in our lifetime, but

sometime soon there will be equality in

Nepal."

Prakash MoharaPhoto by Milan Pariyar

Photo by Phoebe Gilpin


The Clean Hands ProjectVisual media is a powerful tool for advocacy. It can raise awareness, incite action and promote policy change that benefit societies. The literature and case studies concerning this notion are widely documented. Information and communication technology can be taught and used in this regard. The Clean Hands Project will provide a methodological approach to train social media and visual journalism to a marginalized population and then use that media to raise awareness, incite action and ultimately change policies to benefit societies.

My first role in this project was one of organizer and trainer. In the first month of living in Nepal, I trained three young, eager and motivated activists. These activists were all working or volunteering with the Jagaran Media Center, the partnering NGO in this project. We trained Prakash Mohara in videography and documentary production; JB Bishwakarma was trained in photography; and Urmila Bishwokarma was trained in photography. These three ultimately became “training assistants”. Their knowledge of videography and photography grew to the

level of being able to pass on their knowledge to a second set of students. This second set of students, located throughout rural Nepal, were professional journalists who had associations with Jagaran Media Center.

Trainings followed a distinct schedule. Once Phoebe, our training assistant and myself arrived in the journalist’s community, had a few cups of tea and were greeted by every villager from a two mile radius, we took the journalist aside to give an overview of the equipment we had with us and some basic pointers on framing and composition. Then, we would explore the journalist’s community, a small point-and-shoot camera in their hand, a video camera in Prakash’s hand and video camera in either Phoebe or my hand. Often these trips would take us to Dalit settlements where we would explore and listen to life stories. Other times we would be taken to the journalist’s home.

Photo by Milan Pariyar Photo by JB Bishwakarma Photo by Milan Pariyar

After downloading our collection of photos to a laptop, Phoebe and I and our training assistant would ask what they liked about the pictures they took and how they thought they could improve them. These reaction sessions proved very valuable as improvements could definitely be seen in our next outings. Often, journalists would ‘graduate’ to use the professional SLR cameras on the second outing. If this was the case, we’d go over aspects of shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, manual focus and ISO. In all, eleven one-on-one training sessions were conducted throughout the entire country.

After returning to the United States, my role in the project switched to one of “context provider”. Having this extensive

collection of media, I am now charged with the task of making these images available. My hope is to trascend social, cultural and economic boundaries in the presentation. For my thesis project, I intend to create a online photography gallery showcasing some of the strongest of the photographs. In addition, I intend to cut together a short 8-minute documentary for festival play that tells the story of the three activists who served as our training assistants.

Jes Therkelsen is a filmmaker, photographer, media activist and educator. He is a professor at American

University in Washington, D.C.

"It can be used as a record of the Dalit

experience in Nepal."

After finishing high school in my village, I moved to Kathmandu to attend college and graduate school. I have always been interested in information and knowledge and I found journalism, particularly radio journalism, as an ideal way to share information with the largest audience. After

working for newspapers for two years, I became involved with the Jagaran Media Center. Being from the Dalit community, I knew of the struggles Dalits face and human rights is something I am passionate about. I believe caste should not matter.

JB BISHWAKARMA


JB is an extremely accomplished 23-year-old radio journalist in Kathmandu. His academic articles analyze the potential social impact of radio media, N e p a l i c i t i z e n s ' p r i m a r y i n f o r m a t i o n r e s o u r c e . Discrimination has played a role not only in JB's professional life, but in his personal life as well. JB's wife is indigenous, and there were many familial conflicts regarding JB being from the Dalit community. As an intercaste m a r r i a g e , t h e i r f a m i l i e s disapproved; today love prevails in their home in Kathmandu.



"The Dalit issue is not only an issue for Dalits, it is an issue for

our nation, for our entire society."

JB Bishwakarma

"There are many human abuse cases in our country. Nepal

cannot move forward if there is a group held back."

JB Bishwakarma

Photo by JB Bishwakarma Photo by JB Bishwakarma


Photo by JB BishwakarmaPhoto by JB Bishwakarma

At 24-years-old, Urmila works for one of the most respected Dalit organizations in Nepal. She also starred in the first Dalit-issue nationally televised soap opera. Two years ago, after Urmila's mother, father, and brother passed away, she move to Kathmandu to continue her education and support he r brother and grandmother. Vibrant an d f u l l o f l i f e , Urmi l a i s enthusiastic about equality for all Nepalis.

I am very happy to have this opportunity to learn photography. After I moved to Kathmandu, it was very hard. I did not know many things in this city, but I survived. I enjoy working with the Jagaran Media Center, we are like a big family. I believe fighting for Dalit rights is important work and I am dedicated to improving life in Nepal.

URMILA BISHWAKARMA

Photo by Urmila Bishwakarma


Photo by Urmila Bishwakarma Photo by Urmila Bishwakarma

"I enjoy photography and one day would love to

work as a photojournalist."

Urmila Bishwakarma


Photo by Urmila BishwakarmaPhoto by Urmila Bishwakarma

Laxmi's ripe journalistic career has centered around reports of inter-caste marriage and discrimination cases in the Terai region of Nepal. Laxmi is a university student attending school in Narayan gh at, l oc ate d n e ar Chitwan National Park. Unusual for Nepalis, Laxmi lives alone, while her family is located in a Dalit settlement outside the city.

I started journalism not long ago through the Jagaran Media Center. I had a feeling when I was little I wanted to be a journalist. I want to help bring equality to Dalits and I think media can plan a very important role. There is little equality in our society. I’d like to see everybody treated equally, even in the Dalit communities. I think it is important that non-Dalits understand that Dalits are also people. That is how untouchability will disappear.

LAXMI SUNAR

Photo by Laxmi Sunar

Photo by Laxmi Sunar

Photo by Laxmi Sunar Photo by Laxmi Sunar

"There is no equality in our society. I'd like

to see everyone treated equally."

Laxmi Sunar

Bhim began his professional career as a teacher. He loved working as a teacher until he was attacked and nearly killed by an angry villager for being a Dalit in an illustrious position. Cut across his face and neck, Bhim had to travel for 2 days to the nearest medical facility and spent several months recupe-rating. Close to death, Bhim chose to dedicate his life to protecting justice, fighting prejudice, and promoting pe ac e th rou gh j ou rn al i sm. Although journalism does not p r o v i d e g r e a t m o n e t a r y compensation, Bhim told us, "God is in every poor man... working for the poor man is my way of praying."

I started journalism four years ago with the Jagaran Media Center. Media sources were not reporting Dalit issues in the Banke district where I live and I decided I should do it. I continue to be involved with journalism so I can report the exploitations of Dalits and help get them justice and protect their human rights. Media is the court for the Dalits, the

place where evidence is brought up and justice can be served. We don’t have money to pay for a fax or a phone, I don’t have a camera to collect real evidence. Sometimes I get verbally abused by others because of my reporting.

BHIM NEPALI

Photo by Bhim Nepali


"Several years ago, I applied for a secondary teacher position in

the Salang district. I was selected twice through a draw; others didn’t want the job. A few

days later, a group that was angry that a Dalit was offered

the job, attacked me and sliced my neck and face with a

Khukuri. This was during the insurgency and it wasn’t

possible to go to the police. The hospital was a three-day walk,

my family had to carry me. I didn’t have any evidence of who

did this to me. I think it sometimes is a war against

discrimination and journalism is our best weapon."

Bhim Nepali

Shanta, from the military town of Dharan in Central Nepal, has wo rked w i th a n umbe r o f feminist, Dalit, and human rights organizations in the past 6 years. At 24-ye ars -o l d , sh e h as remained a leading journalist in her area, reporting on a wide range of equality issues. Born into a military family, Shanta is proud of her ability to attend college, and now uses her education to help those who cannot afford one. As a teenager she was teased for being Dalit an d t o d ay w o rk s t o e n d discrimination through writing and activism.

I am in school right now, but when I graduate, I want to continue to work in the field of journalism, to improve my community. Many women and many Dalits do not have the opportunity to study like I have had. I am lucky my family could send me to school. I want to use that knowledge to improve the lives of women and Dalits because I have felt discrimination and I have seen discrimination and I do not understand why it exists.

SHANTA NEPALI

Photo by Shanta Nepali


Photo by Shanta Nepali Photo by Shanta Nepali


"I am grateful for my education and I feel

there is a lot I can give back to my community."


Shanta Nepali

Bhola is well respected by both Dalit and Non-Dalit communities i n S a p t a r i , o n e o f t h e most tumultuous areas of Nepal. O f t e n c o n f r o n t e d w i t h intimidation, Bhola remains a courageous voice for justice by reporting facts professionally. Bhola's articles have brought j u s t i c e t o r a p e v i c t i m s , a n d s t u d e n t s w h o s e scholarships were embezzled by corrupt school officials. He is active in civil society and serves on the Dalit Citizen Movement Central Coordination Committee.

I have always been interested in becoming a journalist. After I finished high school, I received journalist training and volunteered for a few newspapers in the Saptari region and soon came to understand the corruption and how Dalit issues were often ignored. Because I am Dalit, I had to face huge challenges myself. Other castes didn’t trust me, didn’t

value me and didn’t believe I was a good journalist. But I worked hard and a few of my stories got nationwide coverage and some international attention. Soon, people started looking at me and my community with respect. I am proud of this accomplishment. The first insurgencies started in Saptari and there are more than two dozen armed rebels in this district. It is hard to maneuver in between all those rebels and still write the news. I think media is the element for social change, if we all work together to bring Dalit’s issues to national attention, that will bring change.

BHOLA PASWAN

Photo by Bhola Paswan



"In Saptari, every house has a gun, it can be scary to report here."

Bhola Paswan

Ru pa l i ve s an d w o rk s i n Nepalgunj where she reports on w o m e n ' s i s s u e s , c a s t e discrimination, corruption cases, and local news. Through her work she hopes to bring justice, pe ac e , an d l i be rty to h e r community in the central Terai and Nepal as a whole. She has won acclaim with the Nepal Press Institute and is well-known in Nepalgunj.

I was interested in all the news channels when I was little. When I got older, my voice got me a job with the local FM radio broadcast. Many people told me that I wouldn’t get a chance to work as a journalist because I am a woman. But I have also found encouragement in other women who have succeeded and helped me. I think in the city, caste

discrimination is more invisible and it is hard to expose. In the villages, we can see it clearly. Journalism is facing financial problems. We don’t make enough to earn a living. Even so, I am happy with my work and very satisfied that I contribute to trying to make our society a better place.

RUPA GAHATRAJ

Photo by Rupa Gahatraj



"It is not enough to fight caste discrimination with

media only. We must try to help everyone to think and

act differently, to behave like human beings."

Rupa Gahatraj

Dipendra l ives and works in Saptari. Located in South Eastern Nepal, Saptari is notorious for being a hotbed of militant and discriminatory activity. Dipendra lives in a small village located ou tside Lahan wh ich lacks running water and electricity. Fifteen people live in Dipendra's home, which is shared by all generations and their livestock. He is 23 years old and is studying to finish his bachelor's degree.

I have eighteen members in our family and we mostly depend on my father’s income. He farms, but does not own his own land. My great grandfather came over from India and it has been this way for generations. I am studying for my bachelors degree so that I may have a different life. I am proud to be a part of Jagaran Media Center. I believe the work we do is vital to building a stronger and better Nepal. I am a Dalit and it feels good to report on Dalit issues through journalism.

DEPENDRA PASWAN



Photo by Dipendra Paswan Photo by Dipendra Paswan

Prem is a familiar face in Pokhara, a spot known to tourists for Himalayan views and the trailhead for the Annapurna trek. To locals, Pokhara holds public secrets of caste conflict. As a proud Dalit, P r e m u n d e r s t a n d s t h e i r hardships. Born into a family that has been bonded in agricultural labor for generations, Prem broke free from the cycle to become a journalist and activist fighting for Dalit rights. For the past seven years he's enjoyed a career in journal ism and continues to empower Dalits through bringing often-neglected issues into the spotlight of Nepali National media.

I started out in journalism ten years ago and I continue to do it to raise the voices of those who are exploited in our society. Media serves as a voice for the voiceless and I think it is the leading role to give justice to victims and punishment to criminals. Dalits are constantly pushed out of political spheres and lose out on opportunities. Being a journalist is demanding, but I am happy when I sleep at night knowing I am fighting for those who are downtrodden.

PREM NEPALI

Photo by Prem Nepali



"Dalits have no one to turn to for help, the state does not provide assistance to them."

Prem Nepali

Umesh has worked as a journalist for the past 3 years in Biratnagar, very near the Indian border in Eastern Nepal. As a Dalit, he is passionate abou t provid ing justice by exposing discrimination cases through journalism.

Dalits in Biratnagar live in extreme poverty. I try to help by bringing those stories of discrimination to the masses through the use of media. Photography is an important medium to do this and I am excited to use this as a means to share information with more people.

UMESH BISHWAKARMA

Photo by Umesh Bishwakarma

Photo by Umesh Bishwakarma

Photo by Umesh BishwakarmaPhoto by Umesh Bishwakarma

Kamala has worked for years to promote Dalit women's equality an d e d u c a t i o n i n Ne p a l . Beginning her career working with Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), she now writes articles and reports on gender issues within the Dalit community. This driven 22-year-old also pursues higher education in her home, located in Hetauda. As the daughter of a Dalit family, she has experienced discrimination in her friend's homes and is passionate about ending the ignorance that fuels hate.

Since I was young, I’ve seen hum an r i gh t s abuse cases. I have suffered from a double discrimination, as a woman and a Dalit. I know something needs to be done so that our voices can be heard and considered. I am p r oud tha t I wo r k t o w a r d t h e f u l l e r inclusion of Dalits and women into society. M e d i a p l a y s a n important role as a c a t a l y s t t o sp r e a d information. I am most happy when my work takes me into the field t o m e e t s o m a n y d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f people.

KAMALA RASAILY

Photo by Kamala Rasaily



"I have always worked hard for the things in my life. I see other Dalits who work hard

and cannot leave the life they are stuck in."

Kamala Rasaily


Photo by Kamala Rasaily Photo by Kamala Rasaily

Mahesh's home in Baglung, in the Nepali hills, is geographically beautiful and socially divided. For the past two years Mahesh has produced radio shows fighting against caste discrimination, and bringing visibility to stories from surrounding villages into the city of Baglung. His work as a radio journalist has brought this 24-year-old into the spotlight in his community.

I am happy and proud to work in human rights. Why can an animal enter a house of a higher caste person, but a Dalit cannot? Even from an early age, I knew this was wrong. In this modern world, it only takes a second to hear or read news from around the world. Media can bring Dalits issues to the attention of everyone. I have had people try to intimidate me from reporting certain stories, but I have done it anyone. The truth cannot be held back.

MAHESH KUMAR KHATI

Photo by Mashesh Kumar Khati

Photo by Mashesh Kumar Khati Photo by Mashesh Kumar Khati

"IInternational agencies including the UN should pressure the

Nepali government to enforce against corruption. Most

international aid never reaches those who need it most.."

Mahesh Kumar Khati

Milan is a man of action; he says there should be no difference between saying and doing. As a journalist in Doti-- a region in far Weste rn Nepal cons ide red ground zero for discrimination-- he regularly reports on highly controversial caste discrimination cases. Due to the retribution which can come from such media coverage, Milan works dilligently to protect the lower-caste victims from upper-caste ve n g e n c e an d h o l d s t h e responsibility of their trust. In addition to working as a journalist, advocate, and human rights monitor, Milan edits his own magazine called Jana Shakarya, "People Working Together."

I have been working as a journalist for over five years. When I began, there were only two other journalists in the Doti district. Dalit hangings, suicides, women dying in childbirth, drownings in the river, these kinds of incidents happen often in Doti and they are often not written about. I thought I should be a representative for Dalits, and I have been working hard to do that. This region is considered the worst in Nepal for caste discrimination, so it is most important that I continue to advocate for human rights.

MILAN PARIYAR

Photo by Milan Pariyar

Photo by Milan Pariyar Photo by Milan Pariyar


"I take this responsibility

extremely seriously. My life has been

threatened, but that is because they are

scared of our empowerment."

Milan Pariyar



"Dalit hangings, suicides, women dying in childbirth,

drownings in the river, these kinds of incidents happen often in Doti and they are often not written about."

Milan Pariyar

J e s i s a fi l m m a k e r , photographer, consultant and educator. As a 2008 Advocacy Project Peace Fel low, Jes collaborated with the Jagaran Media Center to design and implement the Clean Hands Project. Somtimes teacher, of ten student, Jes found inspiration from the strength and motivation of those individuals he met. Jes lives in Washington, D.C. where he teaches Film a nd V i d eo a t Am e r i c a n University.

I am truly grateful and honored to have experienced such an extraordinary adventure. The powerful immediacy and influence of visual media, its artistic potential and the personal satisfaction in the process of creation has created and sustained the Clean Hands Project. I have learned to pay better attention to the worlds around me. The amazing men and women who taught me so much about Nepal and their communities will remain with me and I hope our work continues to inspire others.

JES THERKELSEN



Photo by Jes Therkelsen Photo by Jes Therkelsen

Phoebe Gilpin’s unique media background began in theatre arts and writing, and migrated into film and video. After she received her B.A. in Film and Digital Media from University of California Santa Cruz, she helped lead the Santa Cruz company Creative Armada for three years, overseeing its management and a r t i st i c workflow. In 2007 Phoebe accepted an internship with the director of photography from the Smithsonian Photographic Services in Washington, DC. While in DC, she’s produced v ideo for non-p rofi ts and independent documentaries.

My background in photography and passion for human rights and social includsion were the driving force behind working in Nepal. However, nothing could have prepared me for the life changing experience of collaborating with the motivated, ambitious, strong individuals I met on the journey. I'm grateful to have learned far more than I could have ever taught.

PHOEBE GILPIN



Photo by Phoebe Gilpin Photo by Phoebe Gilpin

The Clean Hands Project was made possible through the collaboration of The Advocacy Project, Jagaran Media Center and Sensory Media Arts. The following individuals have played vital roles in the creation of this project: Rem Bishwakarma, Suvash Darnal, Iain Guest, Tassos Coulaloglou, Kamal Adhikari, Rupak Thapaliya, Sarah Bishop, Althea Middleton-Detzner, Ron Kaplan, The Therkelsen Family, Nelda Matheny, David Gilpin, and all of those who found their way into the frame and those who did not.

Project Director: Jes TherkelsenDirector: Phoebe GilpinField Producer/Videographer: Prakash MoharaField Producer/Photographer: JB BishwakarmaPhotogaphers: Milan Pariyar, Shanta Nepali, JB Bishwakarma, Dipendra Paswan, Kamala Raisaly, Bhim Nepali, Urmila Bishwakarma, Bhola Paswan, Rupa Gahatraj, Prem Nepali, Umesh Bishwakarma, Phoebe Gilpin, Jes Therkelsen, Mahesh Kumar Khati, Laxmi Sunar

Thanks to Prakash Mohara who helped coordinate most of the operation in Nepal, making contacts, managing transportation, places to stay, people to interview and making sure we finally saw an elephant. Thanks also for his strong commitment to human rights and his country. This project would not have happened without him. Many thanks to JB Bishwakarma, who also helped out with travel and logistics. His dedication to Nepal is outstanding. Thanks to Advocacy Project who helped to set up our residency in Nepal. Their support was imperative and absolutely necessary to this project. Thanks to Suvash Darnal who helped to create the momentum to sustain a project like this. Thanks to Urmila Bishwakarma for her wonderful tours of her neighborhood, deliciously spicy Nepali food and dance lessons. Special thanks to all those at Jagaran Media Center who supported us and made us feel welcome. We give thanks also to the many people who were willing to talk to us and tell us their stories.

All photographs and videos belong to the Clean Hands Project. Please ask for permission before using.

Acknowledgements


For further information on Nepali Dalit issues and to see more of the work from the Clean Hands Project, including video and audio, please see: www.cleanhandsproject.com.


the clean hands project

Documents

auditory media

forms of media

dalit movement

dalit population

media production outfit

unique visual media

media activists jes

dalit untouchable caste