Ajit Isaac Foundation,
3/3/2 Bellandur Gate, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru 560103,
Karnataka, India
Finding Shamnad Basheer: Factor Daily Honoring the Legacy of a Legal Scholar
| Grantee | Grant ( ₹ Cr) |
Description | Start Date | End Date |
| FactorDaily | 0.4 | Funding for Societal Journalism and Research | Aug-2022 | Aug-2024 |
Introduction:
In a country where the Judge-to-Population ratio stands at a stark 21 per 100,000, addressing the escalating number of pending court cases is a pressing concern for India’s legal system. Recognizing the urgency of this issue and the need for improved law and order, The Isaac Family Foundation took a significant step by supporting FactorDaily, a pioneering journalism lab that combines education with impactful storytelling. FactorDaily’s unique approach encompasses diverse storytelling formats, including physical spaces, audio, and animation, to produce in-depth projects on topics of societal significance.
Purpose:
Ajit Isaac Foundation grant, provided in early 2022, was instrumental in facilitating the “Finding Shamnad Basheer” project. This initiative aimed to delve into and pay tribute to the life and contributions of Shamnad Basheer, an esteemed Indian legal scholar and intellectual property rights activist. As part of the Justice Project at FactorDaily, this story embarked on a journey to unravel the remarkable life of Basheer, tracing his origins from Kerala to his ascent as a renowned legal expert and influential voice in the legal community.
Project Highlights:
Extensive Research and Exploration: The “Finding Shamnad Basheer” project involved meticulous research, including interviews with Basheer’s family, friends, and colleagues. It also encompassed a comprehensive analysis of his writings and speeches, ensuring a holistic understanding of his legacy.
Community-Centric Journalism: FactorDaily adopted a community-first approach, aligning the project with the needs and interests of the legal community. The story was not just presented online but was also shared at a community meetup attended by approximately 100 lawyers, legal activists, and researchers.
Immersive Storytelling: To enhance the storytelling experience, the project took a creative turn by crafting a comic book resembling a reporter’s diary. Each attendee at the community meetup received a copy of this notebook, granting them real-time access to the project’s insights and discoveries.
Digital Experience: While the story was published on FactorDaily’s website, it was done so without overwhelming it with excessive narrative or visuals. The goal was to maintain the immersive and community-driven storytelling experience, mirroring the atmosphere of the live community session.
Impact:
The “Finding Shamnad Basheer” project serves as a testament to the power of community-driven journalism. It not only honored the legacy of a distinguished legal scholar but also inspired future generations of legal scholars and activists to continue Basheer’s invaluable work in advancing intellectual property rights and social justice in India and beyond. By bringing together a community of legal professionals and researchers, this project fostered meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of justice and legal reforms in India. It exemplifies how storytelling can be a catalyst for change and awareness in crucial societal domains.