Rachita Taneja: Using Comics to Fight Censorship in India
When Rachita Taneja uploaded her first comic on Facebook in 2014, she never imagined it would lead to a successful web series called Sanitary Panels. Through simple stick figures, Taneja comments on social, political, and cultural issues in India, ranging from #MeToo to freedom of speech. Her feminist focus has garnered her over 133,000 followers on Instagram.
However, with fame comes backlash. Taneja faces extreme online hate, including rape and death threats. She even faces a Supreme Court case for “contempt of court” due to her critical drawings about the Indian government. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her work, emphasizing the importance of free expression in a country where censorship is a growing concern.
While the Indian government attempts to silence dissenting voices, Taneja’s comics have only gained more traction. The attempts at censorship often backfire, drawing more attention to the issues she highlights. Through it all, Taneja remains adamant about staying in India, using her privilege to give a voice to the marginalized and continue her important work.
With her fearless approach to tackling sensitive topics, Taneja is a beacon of hope in a country where freedom of expression is under threat. Despite the challenges she faces, her commitment to speaking out through her art remains unwavering.