Appan Samachar (Our News) is a community-based news network and an integral initiative of Appan Samachar Foundation. It is led by Dalit, backward, minority, and rural women who have historically remained excluded from mainstream media spaces. More than just a news platform, Appan Samachar represents a grassroots media movement dedicated to social transformation and inclusive development.
Our mission is to empower marginalized rural communities by giving them ownership of media and amplifying their voices at local, national, and global levels.
Our Identity – All Women News Network
Appan Samachar is widely recognized as the All Women News Network because every role within the organization — from cameraperson, anchor, and editor to community reporter — is performed by women. Rural women have turned the camera, pen, and microphone into powerful tools for awareness, accountability, and change.
Our Beginning
This community media initiative was launched on December 6, 2007, in the remote region of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India. The first 45-minute news bulletin was screened using a projector at the village haat in Ramlila Gachhi, Chandkevari Panchayat under Paru Block. What began as a small village-level experiment has now expanded to dozens of villages across Muzaffarpur and neighboring districts, creating a strong grassroots media network.
Our Mission
- To provide a dedicated platform for rural and marginalized voices
- To promote women-led community journalism
- To highlight issues related to social justice, education, health, gender equality, and local governance
- To present ground realities with accuracy, credibility, and community participation
Our Vision
We advocate an alternative media model where communities tell their own stories. Our vision is to build informed, confident, and self-reliant villages through participatory journalism and inclusive communication practices.
Our Leadership
Appan Samachar was founded by journalist and social activist Santosh Sarang along with a committed team under the umbrella of AS Foundation. Currently, the editorial responsibilities are led by Yashoda Kumari as Editor, continuing the mission of strengthening women-led rural media and community-driven reporting.
Appan Samachar – The Voice of the Village, The Mirror of Society.
Empowering Women. Amplifying Communities. Inspiring Change.
Editor : Yashoda Kumari
Official website : https://appansamachar.com/
