14-year-old Indian influencer challenges government with viral videos

In India, where freedom of expression faces increasing pressure, a 14-year-old named Ashwamit Gautam is using his online platform to challenge the status quo. With 2.4 million followers on Instagram, Gautam has become a prominent political influencer, tackling subjects often considered too sensitive for public discourse.

Gautam's content frequently targets Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He speaks out against caste discrimination, alleges election fraud, and criticizes media manipulation, posing critical questions about the nation's future. Several of his videos have garnered over 10 million views, demonstrating his substantial reach and impact among young audiences.

His activism comes at a time when India's press freedom ranking has fallen to 157 out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders. Activists are frequently imprisoned, and opposition figures face numerous legal challenges. Gautam himself is under investigation, yet he remains undeterred in his mission to use his voice.

Living in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Gautam spends most nights in a 24-hour library to work on his content. This dedication is partly due to unreliable electricity at home. He and his older brother, Aditya, who is studying law, often sleep on mats in the library when it gets too late to travel home. Gautam's commitment to content creation, from scripting to video editing, underscores his determination to engage with critical issues despite the risks involved.