KISSA KHAKI KA: A NEW ERA OF PODCASTING AND STORYTELLING

The universe is made of stories, not of atoms - Muriel Rukeyser

Podcast:

A podcast is a digital audio file available on the Internet that is published in either series or instalments through subscription. This new media technology has evolved in the last decade, especially in the last 5 years. It has revolutionised the way we consume auditory media. Unlike radio, one can simply click on a selected podcast, choose the episode, and pause or resume listening according to convenience. One can choose from various audio files covering diverse topics like fashion, media, sports, science, etc. This is the specialty of podcasts.

Kissa Khaki Ka: 

In contemporary times, thousands of podcasters use this audio-storytelling method to promote themselves, market brands, create profit, etc. It is seldom used for a noble cause and for creating awareness.  Kissa Khaki Ka is one such exception. Kissa Khaki Ka (KKK)  is an audio series that narrates the heroic tales of Delhi Police staffers.  It is the only police podcast in the country, making it a pioneer in bringing forth the stories of social service, criminal investigations, and humanitarian work. The platform has completed more than 75 episodes featuring stories of their valour, commitment to duty, and heart for humanity. The series began under the leadership of former Commissioner of Delhi, Rakesh Asthana. Currently, Kissa Khaki Ka is continuing under the supervision and guidance of the current Commissioner of Delhi, Sanjay Arora and PRO, Suman Nalwa.

The official Storyteller:

The series is scripted and narrated by Dr. Vartika Nanda, the official storyteller of Delhi Police, These podcasts are narrated by her on an honorary basis. 

Beginning and the Progress:

Starting on January 16, 2022, Kissa Khaki Ka has completed more than 75 episodes by the end of June 2023. The series has covered a variety of stories, from Constable Than Singh’s school for underprivileged children at Lal Qila to Head Constable Manoj and Devendra Kumar’s courageous actions in catching a criminal. The podcast is regularly updated chronologically. It is aired every Sunday at 2 p.m. on YouTube and is accessible on Vartika Nanda’s website and her blog .  

Objective: 

Kissa Khaki Ka is Delhi Police’s first podcast channel, serving the following objectives:

• Document the exemplary work of the Delhi Police.
• Bring these stories to the mainstream media.
• Appreciate their dedication to their duty.
• Encouraging other police officials to perform their best
• Reaffirm the reputation of the Delhi Police as a dignified police force
• Make an impactful presence on the digital platform
• Advocate a responsible youth culture 

Impact:

The podcast series is a novel and one-of-a-kind media platform that has helped the stories of police officials reach ordinary citizens. By putting a human face on the Delhi police, the podcast series has helped close the trust gap between the public and the police force. It has allowed citizens to relate to their tales of sacrifice, bravery, and contributions to society. Along with the narration, it aids in highlighting the accomplishments of the police department and gives the audience fresh and unique content. It motivates and inspires the listeners to take an active role in fulfilling their social obligations and working with the nation's security institutions. 

First Anniversary Celebration and the Coffee Table Book:

On 16th January 2023, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi Sanjay Arora felicitated the whole team of Kissa Khaki Ka at the police headquarters.  Also, the coffee table book Kissa Khaki Ka - Varsh Ek, Smritiyan Anek, was launched on the same day. This book contains all the episodes that were broadcast till January 16, 2023. The celebration witnessed the felicitation of all the police officers who were part of this series until episode 50. The day became memorable when many of these police officials, accompanied by their families, visited the police headquarters for the first time.

About the Storyteller:

Dr. Vartika Nanda is a media educator, prison reformer, and Stree Shakti Puruskar recipient for her contribution towards women's empowerment via media and literature. Her contribution to prison reform is mentioned twice in the Limca Book of Records. She has authored 3 books on prison reforms and 3 on journalism. Interestingly, her Tinka Tinka Jail Radio podcasts are also the only podcasts in India that are dedicated to prison reforms.  Her Tinka Tinka Foundation has been instrumental in setting up prison radio in the District Jail of Agra and the jails of Haryana. Currently, she is the Head of the Department of Journalism at the Lady Shri Ram College for Women.

Website: https://vartikananda.com/ 

Blog: http://vartikananda.blogspot.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vartikananda76 

One year of Kissa Khaki Ka: Spotify for Podcasters - The easiest way to make a podcast

One-year celebrations of Kissa Khaki Ka on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n4gFtSJeP-E 

Citations: 

Google Link for Kissa Khaki Ka

Dainik Tribune  March 24th 2023: https://vartikananda.com/press-coverage/ 

Dainik Jagran February 16th 2023: https://vartikananda.com/press-coverage/ 

Ananya Nair

Batch of 2024

Department of Journalism, Lady Shri Ram College for Women

( Reporting for #VNKiPaathshala)