Newsletter (May 2026): HRRF Journalism Grant Projects, Literary Talk, ICNA Convention and More
May brought important storytelling and a busy month for our chapters. IAMC’s HRRF Journalism Grant Program produced a round of compelling and important work on India’s minorities, Boston hosted a literary talk with journalist Neha Dixit, and IAMC Maryland made a strong showing at the Annual ICNA Convention in Baltimore.
BULLET POINT SUMMARY:
- HRRF Journalism Grant Program: five new media projects shining a light on human rights in India
- Chapter events spanning a literary talk in Boston, community festivals in New Jersey, and a major convention presence in Maryland
- IAMC welcomes Supreme Court bail for anti-CAA activists Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmed
- And more!
Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these achievements in detail.
HRRF JOURNALISM GRANT PROGRAM: NEW MEDIA PROJECTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDIA
IAMC’s Human Rights and Religious Freedom (HRRF) Journalism Grant Program supports early and mid-career journalists pursuing independent reporting on the challenges facing minorities and marginalized communities in India. This month, we’re proud to highlight five new published projects supported by the program: a DW report on Christian persecution in central India; a Maktoob Media investigation into India’s expanding anti-conversion regime; The Quint’s video report on Hindutva War on Christians in Madhya Pradesh; The Wire investigation on Gujarat’s cow laws and their devastating impact on Muslim livelihoods; and a DW piece on climate vulnerability and flood survival in India.
Watch: Inside Hindutva War on Christians
IAMC WELCOMES SUPREME COURT BAIL FOR ANTI-CAA ACTIVISTS KHALID SAIFI AND TASLEEM AHMED
IAMC welcomed the Supreme Court of India’s decision to grant six months’ interim bail to human rights activist Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmed, both detained for years under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 protests against India’s discriminatory citizenship law. Read our statement here.
CHAPTER EVENTS
Our chapters remained active throughout April, building coalitions, engaging new communities, and amplifying IAMC’s mission. Here’s what they’ve been up to:
BOSTON CHAPTER
- Co-hosted “Stories The State Tries To Erase”, an interactive talk by journalist and author Neha Dixit, drawing from her acclaimed book The Many Lives of Syeda X, to a packed audience.
NEW JERSEY
- Participated in the ICNA NJ Leadership Luncheon, engaging with community leaders and Imams.
- Co-sponsored and attended the Edison Eid Festival, organized by local masjids.
- Attended a screening of Saffron Kingdom, the first Kashmiri-American film, at AMC New Brunswick 18 on May 16.
MARYLAND CHAPTER
- Represented IAMC at the Annual ICNA Convention with a well-attended booth featuring banners, video displays, and branded materials, generating strong visitor engagement and community registrations.
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