About the Founder and CEO
Krishiv Shah
CEO/Founder
Krishiv Shah, from New York, is the founder of Operation Mooknayak, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting underprivileged Dalit Indians.
His awareness of the Indian caste system grew through movies, TV shows, and books, which fueled his frustration with the rigid hierarchy that perpetuates discrimination, especially against Dalits.
In his junior year, he undertook a research project through his school’s advanced research program, focusing on ways to promote welfare for Dalits in India and successfully completed it.
Inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s relentless advocacy for social justice—particularly through his newspaper Mooknayak—Krishiv decided to create a contemporary extension of that vision, thus founding Operation Mooknayak.
Krishiv plans to pursue studies in South Asian Studies and Business, aiming to leverage his research skills to raise awareness about caste-based discrimination in the U.S., India, and worldwide.
The History
The Indian caste system is a social hierarchy over 3,000 years old, influencing individuals' professions, social circles, and economic status.
Peasants, labeled as "outcasts" and "untouchables," were excluded from this system and discrimination for centuries.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was an Indian political leader and social justice advocate who is considered to be the father of the Dalit movement as a Dalit himself.
He played a significant role in drafting the Indian constitution, as well as launching strong movements against the practice of untouchability.
Behind the name: Mooknayak
In 1920, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the Mooknayak (meaning Leader of the Voiceless in Marathi), a Marathi fortnightly-newspaper that aimed to shed light on the stories of marginalized groups such as Dalits in India. This publication was revolutionary, being one of the first newspapers targeted towards ending Dalit discrimination, and it was written in Marathi, being able to appeal to the Dalit masses.
Although the Mooknayak publication only lasted three years (1920-1923), there have been several other modern efforts that aim to end caste-based discrimination. Operation Mooknayak aims to do just that, in a contemporary context based in the US where caste-based discrimination is overlooked and not given enough importance.