Nileena Atholi, Senior Sub-editor at Mathrubhumi Digital, has been awarded the Youth Commission’s Youth Icon award. A fearless journalist, feminist, and human rights advocate, she has won multiple national and state honours for her groundbreaking reports on marital rape, transgender rights, and Lakshadweep’s struggles, shaping Kerala’s progressive media landscape.
Nileena Atholi’s journey in journalism is one of conviction, courage, and compassion. Recently recognised with the Youth Commission’s Youth Icon award, she stands as a symbol of how passion and persistence can transform narratives and challenge entrenched systems. As Senior Sub-editor with Mathrubhumi Digital, Nileena has carved a space for herself in Kerala’s media by consistently amplifying voices that are often silenced, and by tackling issues that many shy away from.
Her career is defined by a fearless pursuit of truth. A feminist with conviction, a left ideologist, and a fun-loving personality, Nileena embodies the spirit of journalism that is both socially conscious and deeply humane. She has never hesitated to confront uncomfortable realities, whether it be marital rape in Kerala’s so-called progressive society or the everyday struggles of transgender communities. These works not only sparked conversations but also won her national and state recognition, including the Laadly Media Award, the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism, and honours from the Press Council of India.
Nileena ’s series on marital rape was a turning point in Kerala’s media discourse. At a time when the subject was rarely discussed in mainstream spaces, she brought survivors’ voices to the forefront, exposing the contradictions of a society that prides itself on progressiveness while ignoring the lived realities of women. Her reporting was not just about statistics or legal loopholes—it was about human pain, resilience, and the urgent need for reform. For this series, she received the Yasodha Teacher Best Woman Journalist of Kerala award in 2019, a recognition that underscored the impact of her work.
Equally powerful was her series on transgender plights, which shed light on the discrimination, marginalisation, and systemic neglect faced by the community. By documenting their struggles and aspirations, Nileena helped shift public perception and policy conversations. Her work won her accolades including the Laadly Media Award for gender perspective reporting, reinforcing her reputation as a journalist who brings empathy and depth to every story.
Her recent series on human rights violations in Lakshadweep further cemented her role as a chronicler of injustice. At a time when the island’s people faced cultural and livelihood disruptions, Nileena ’s reporting captured the human cost of policy decisions. She gave visibility to voices that were otherwise drowned out, ensuring that the plight of Lakshadweep’s residents reached national consciousness.
Nileena’s achievements are a testament to her relentless dedication. She has bagged some of the most prestigious honours in Indian journalism: the Ramnath Goenka Award in 2016, the Press Council of India Award in 2020, the National Foundation for India Media Award in 2018, and the Kerala State Media Special Jury Award in 2020. Her contributions have also been recognised by the Kerala Legislative Assembly, which awarded her in 2022, and by the Government of Kerala, which honoured her with the Vivekananda Award for Best Young Journalist in 2015.
Her journey began early, with the Best Reporter Award for the State Youth Festival reporting in 2013, conferred by the Government of Kerala. Since then, she has steadily built a portfolio of impactful stories, each marked by clarity, courage, and compassion. Awards such as the SBT Media Award (2016), the Sathyavrathan Award of the Kerala Media Academy (2016 and 2020), and the Kollam Press Club KNP Kurup Smaraka Award (2019) further highlight her consistent excellence.
Nileena’s recognition is not just about the awards she has won but about the legacy she is building. In a media landscape often criticised for sensationalism and superficiality, she represents a different path—one where journalism is rooted in social justice, gender equality, and human dignity. Her work demonstrates that stories can be both impactful and empathetic, that journalism can be both critical and compassionate.
The Youth Commission’s Youth Icon award is therefore more than a personal honour; it is a recognition of the values Nileena embodies. It acknowledges her role in inspiring a generation of young journalists to pursue stories that matter, to question power structures, and to amplify marginalised voices. It celebrates her ability to balance professional rigour with personal warmth, making her not just a journalist but also a mentor and role model.
Nileena ’s personality adds another dimension to her professional achievements. Colleagues describe her as fun-loving and approachable, someone who brings energy and positivity to the newsroom. Yet beneath that warmth lies a steely determination to challenge injustice and to stand by her convictions. This blend of passion and resilience makes her a unique presence in Kerala’s media fraternity.
Her recognition also reflects a broader shift in Kerala’s journalism, where women are increasingly taking centre stage in shaping narratives. Nileena ’s success is part of a larger story of feminist voices redefining media spaces, pushing boundaries, and demanding accountability. By winning awards such as the Laadly Media Award and the Yasodha Teacher Best Woman Journalist Award, she has not only advanced her own career but also paved the way for other women journalists to pursue bold and meaningful stories.
The Youth Icon award comes at a time when journalism faces multiple challenges—political pressures, shrinking spaces for dissent, and the rise of misinformation. In this context, Nileena ’s work is a reminder of what journalism can and should be: a commitment to truth, a defence of rights, and a celebration of human resilience. Her stories on marital rape, transgender rights, and Lakshadweep’s struggles are not just reports; they are interventions that have shaped public discourse and policy debates.
As she continues her journey, Nileena Atholi remains a beacon for young journalists and activists. Her recognition as a Youth Icon is not just about her past achievements but also about the promise of her future contributions. In a world where voices of conviction are often drowned out, Nileena ’s voice stands tall—clear, courageous, and compassionate.
Her story is one of persistence and passion, of a journalist who chose to confront uncomfortable truths and to amplify silenced voices. It is a story that inspires, challenges, and uplifts. And as Kerala celebrates her as a Youth Icon, the larger message is clear: journalism, when pursued with conviction and compassion, can indeed change the world.
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