How Social Media Fueled the Bhima Koregaon Movement: The Digital Battle for Justice
On January 1, 2018, violence erupted at Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra — a place symbolizing the 1818 victory of Dalit soldiers over the Peshwa’s army. What followed was not just a physical clash but also a digital revolution.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp turned into arenas of protest, remembrance, misinformation, and mobilization. For the first time, the Dalit struggle entered the online world with the same fire that once burned on the battlefields of Koregaon.
This blog explores how social media fueled the Bhima Koregaon movement, reshaping modern activism, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging the mainstream narrative.
1. The Symbolism of Bhima Koregaon — Remembering 1818
Bhima Koregaon is not just a village near Pune. It represents freedom, equality, and resistance. On January 1 every year, lakhs of Ambedkarite followers gather at the Vijay Stambh to honor Dalit soldiers who fought against caste oppression and Peshwa rule.
The 2018 event marked the 200th anniversary — a historic milestone that drew massive attention both offline and online. Before the violence broke out, social media was buzzing with hashtags like #BhimaKoregaon200Years, #JaiBhim, and #DalitPride.
The stage was set — and social media became both a messenger and a battlefield.
2. Social Media as a Tool of Mobilization
In December 2017, Ambedkarite groups, students, and activists used social platforms to coordinate travel, events, and solidarity marches.
- WhatsApp groups helped thousands plan their visit to Koregaon.
- Facebook events spread awareness about the 200th anniversary.
- Twitter threads educated youth about the forgotten 1818 battle.
For the first time, Dalit voices were amplified digitally, creating a sense of unity beyond physical boundaries. The virtual space became a safe zone for discussions on equality, representation, and justice.
Social media turned remembrance into a movement.
3. The Spark — When Clashes Met the Internet
On January 1, 2018, violence broke out between groups during the bicentenary celebration. Within minutes, videos, photos, and live updates flooded social platforms.
But as speed increased, so did misinformation.
WhatsApp forwards, edited clips, and biased posts spread confusion. Different groups framed their own versions of “truth.”
Twitter hashtags like #BhimaKoregaonViolence and #DalitLivesMatter trended nationwide, showing how digital spaces could both empower and polarize.
The Bhima Koregaon incident became India’s first digitally amplified caste conflict.
4. Digital Ambedkarism — A New Wave of Consciousness
After the clashes, Ambedkarite youth began reclaiming the online narrative. They started YouTube channels, podcasts, and Instagram pages to counter false propaganda and spread awareness of social justice.
This gave rise to what many called “Digital Ambedkarism.”
- Facebook pages like The Blue Revolution and Velivada became educational hubs.
- Twitter influencers started campaigns against caste discrimination.
- Dalit students began sharing historical facts about the 1818 battle.
Social media became the modern Chaitya Bhoomi, where Ambedkar’s message of equality resonated louder than ever.
5. The Role of WhatsApp and Fake News
While social media united people, it also divided them. WhatsApp — India’s most used messaging app — became a tool for both mobilization and manipulation.
Fake forwards blamed different communities, worsening tensions.
The lack of verification made rumors spread faster than facts.
This incident taught India a critical lesson: digital awareness is as important as digital freedom.
Many NGOs and activists later launched campaigns promoting “Verify Before You Share” to fight misinformation.
6. Voices That Rose from the Digital Storm
Out of chaos came clarity. The Bhima Koregaon 2018 aftermath saw the rise of a new generation of Dalit digital leaders.
They weren’t politicians or traditional activists — they were bloggers, YouTubers, coders, and designers using technology to fight caste injustice.
Through storytelling, art, memes, and reels, they turned pain into purpose.
Hashtags like #DalitTwitter and #AmbedkariteMovement became global, connecting communities from India to the diaspora in the UK, US, and Africa.
Bhima Koregaon had moved from a battlefield in 1818 to a server field in 2018.
7. Government, Surveillance, and the Urban Naxal Debate
Post-clash, several activists were arrested under charges related to the Elgar Parishad event — alleged to have connections with Maoist groups.
This sparked a debate on freedom of speech vs. national security, further fueled by social media discussions and digital evidence.
The internet once again became a double-edged sword:
- A platform for truth and resistance.
- A space for surveillance and suppression.
Bhima Koregaon became a symbol not just of Dalit pride but also of the struggle for digital freedom in India.
8. How Social Media Changed the Narrative Forever
Before 2018, caste-based violence stories were often underreported.
After Bhima Koregaon, it was impossible to ignore.
Every tweet, post, and live stream contributed to democratizing information.
Social media gave the marginalized a microphone that mainstream media had often denied them.
It became a tool for justice, remembrance, and solidarity — proving that in today’s India, revolutions begin not just on the ground but also on the screen.
Conclusion
The Bhima Koregaon movement shows how digital platforms can amplify social movements and give voice to the unheard.
But it also reminds us of the responsibility that comes with this power.
Social media can unite or divide — depending on how we use it.
From the battlefield of 1818 to the news feeds of 2018, the story of Bhima Koregaon is a journey of Dalit pride, resilience, and reclamation — both offline and online.
In every tweet that says Jai Bhim, the spirit of equality lives on.
#BhimaKoregaon #DigitalAmbedkarism #JaiBhim #DalitLivesMatter #SocialJusticeIndia #AmbedkariteYouth #BhimaKoregaon2018 #OnlineRevolution #DalitMovement
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