Abstract: Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is globally recognized as an essential set of skills necessary for navigating the complexities of the 21st century information ecosystem. The core issue addressed by this analysis is the heightened vulnerability of marginalized populations, specifically tribal artisans in India, to targeted misinformation. This research moves beyond viewing MIL as a mere technical skill set, instead framing it as a critical pedagogical approach capable of fostering systemic societal resilience and enabling agency. The research focuses on the intersection of cultural vulnerability and economic exploitation within the artisan community. The analysis confirms that tribal artisans in India face significant information vulnerability due to cultural norms, high exposure to financial and health risks, and low digital literacy, demonstrating that conventional MIL approaches are inadequate. The strong demand for training underscores the need for culturally responsive, context-specific pedagogies that position MIL as essential for economic security and cultural sovereignty.

Keywords: Media and Information Literacy, Pedagogy, Marginalized population, Artificial Intelligence.