Madhan Kumar U S
Video journalist and contributor to DW Tamil
Mediakaaraanmadhan.us.kumar/Madhan Kumar U S is a video producer and documentary filmmaker contributing to DW's coverage of India. His work focused on rural affairs, human interest, culture, politics, crises, gender, and human rights.
Madhan Kumar U S is a video journalist and documentary filmmaker from southern India with over five years of field experience.
Coming from an underprivileged background and as a first-generation graduate, Madhan began his storytelling journey by documenting the lives, culture, celebrations, and struggles of his own community, using strong digital storytelling to amplify marginalized voices.
For the past three years, he has been a contributor to DW Tamil, producing stories for DW Asia and Eco India.
He has reported from over 100 villages across southern India, producing more than 70 stories focused on rural affairs, human interest, gender, politics, environment, caste, tribal rights, and human rights.
His documentary "Land of Beef," which explored food rights, the culture of Islamic communities, and the politics of food in India, was selected as Best Documentary of the Year 2023 by the Writers and Artists Association.
Another notable report on caste discrimination, "How a village in Tamil Nadu still doesn't allow oppressed communities to wear slippers" sparked widespread regional debate.
His coverage on tribal road access issues has also gained attention and led to coverage in multiple mainstream Indian media outlets.
As a journalist, Madhan believes that documenting these voices is a powerful way to uphold the democracy we all strive for.