Ms. Sreelakshmi. V

Sreelakshmi V is a dedicated research scholar at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, under the guideship of Dr Aparna Eswaran. She completed her MA in Political Science from Maharaja’s College Ernakulam, affiliated to MG University. Holding an M.A. in Political Science, she possesses a solid academic background that fuels her research pursuits. She has taught courses at St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, and St. Aloysius College, Edathua. Sreelakshmi brings practical insights to her scholarly pursuits. Her commitment to political science and international relations is evident in her academic path and teaching engagements. Her intellectual prowess, coupled with her practical teaching exposure, reflects a well-rounded approach to contributing meaningfully to her field.

The Indian Hashtag Revolution: A Socio-Political Analysis of Social Media-Driven Collective Actions in India

Social media activism’s growth has been a transforming force in modern social movements. Social media platforms have offered activists unparalleled tools and chances to connect, organise, and campaign for change. The PhD project delves into the transformative impact of new media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and digital activism. The study aims to trace the evolution of these platforms and their role in reshaping political discourse and social movements in India with particular references to significant protest movements of recent times like the CAA/NRC protest and Shaheen Bagh protest, the Farmers protest, and different LGBTQIA+, feminist protests which used social media as a tool or space for activism. By examining the formation of collectives and communities through social media, the project explores how these platforms have redefined the dynamics of political engagement. It also compares India’s digital activism landscape with contemporary global movements. The research addresses issues of credibility and authenticity arising from the digital shift in political activism. Additionally, the study investigates how social media has given rise to new forms of political imagination, protest, and resistance, especially within marginalised communities. Lastly, the project critically evaluates the influence of social media on recent political change and behaviour.