Featured book on Jail

Vartika Nanda Travelogue: Bhopal to Bhimbetka: 20 April, 2024

Sep 26, 2023

Magical Journey of Tinka Tinka Tihar। Tihar Jail। 2013-2023। Tinka Tinka Foundation: 10 Years: September, 2023

Tinka Tinka Tihar: Release of the book in Tihar Jail: 26th September, 2023

Writing from the largest prison in Asia: Tihar Jail

"Subah likhti hu sham likhti hu iss char diwari mai baithke tera naam likhti hu"

The poem imprinted on the outer wall of Tihar jail was celebrated in women's jail today on the occasion of the completion of the iconic journey of Tinka Tinka Tihar. The poem written by Seema Raghuvanshi, incarcerated in Tihar, was featured in the popular book Tinka Tinka Tihar, edited by Vartika Nanda (media educator and prison reformer) and Vimla Mehra (IPS) and then DG, Delhi Prisons in 2013.

Today, after a gap of 10 years, Tinka Tinka Tihar is republished by Tinka Tinka Foundation, showcasing the literary acumen of women inmates lodged in jail number 6 of Tihar. Tinka Tinka Tihar is a long journey comprising of a book, theme song and a long wall painting on the outer walls of jails. The book was released by the Union Minister of Home Affairs at the APCCA Conference in New Delhi in 2013. This book has been translated into 6 languages and is considered to be an authentic version of prison life. The wall outside Tihar Jail is inspired by a poem composed by an inmate, Seema Raghuvanshi, published in the same book. This wall was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in 2014. The song was released by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabaha. Both the book and the song earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for their originality. A special mention of Tinka Tinka Tihar was made in Prison Statistics India in 2015.


On the completion of 10 years of this creativity, Tihar jail officers and staff came together to celebrate its success and brainstormed a future plan of taking Tinka Tinka Tihar to the next level. This book was released by Shri Sanjay Baniwal, Director General, (Prisons), Mrs. Vimla Mehra, (IPS) Retd. The then Director General of Tihar Jail Shri H.P.S. Saran, Additional Inspector General (Prisons) and Dr. Vartika Nanda in a gala event in the women’s jail of Tihar. Special attraction was an inmate, who had contributed to the book as a poet in 2013, reciting her poems to the audience. She has been incarcerated for nearly 12 years.

Jail Superintendent Krishna Sharma and her team showcased a special exhibition with innovative expressions of women inmates on the theme of Tinka Tinka Tihar depicting the 10 year journey from 2013 to 20123. Inmates also relived the experience through a play. The song- Tinka Tinka Tihar- was also sung by them. The video on the journey of “Tinka Tinka Tihar” was shown to inmates on projector and it was enjoyed by inmates.

During the program, Mrs. Vimla Mehra shared her experiences with everyone while being the Director General.

Dr. Vartika Nanda, the author of this book and compiler of poems, also shared her experiences while writing this book, its impact on inmates and the outcome She also told that till now this book has been published in 6 different languages.

Shri Sanjay Baniwal, Director General (Prisons) appreciated the efforts of Dr. Vartika Nanda for the upliftment of women prisoners and expressed his gratitude for making such a book a reality. He also stated that such efforts have the potential to bring the hidden feelings of inmates artistically to the world.

Saplings were also planted by all the distinguished guests and officers. Herbal garden was also inaugurated by Mrs. Vimla Mehra.

Special gratitude:

Vimla Mehra (IPS) Retd. Former DG, Delhi Prisons
Sanjay Beniwal (IPS) DG, Delhi Prisons
Ms. Krishna Sharma Superintendent
Ms. Raman Sharma Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Kiran Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Neetu Chugh Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Chetna Gupta Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Sonam Meena Counsellor
Ms. Manju Head Matron-913








Tinka Tinka Tihar completes 10 years on 24th September 2023

1993 -- मैं जेल के अंदर जा रही हूं। आज एक इंटरव्यू लेना है। 1999- टेलीविजन के दिन। 2013- तिनका तिनका तिहाड़। आज तिनका तिनका तिहाड़ के 10 साल पर बड़े स्तर पर हमारी यात्रा के कुछ अंश। तिनका तिनका जेल।।।।



Tinka Tinka Tihar: Vartika Nanda & Vimla Mehra। Jail Superintendent, CJ 6 Krishna Sharma from Tihar

Special conversation with Shrimati Krishna Sharma, Superintendent, CJ 6, Tihar


Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MUVpUvfLAhk

23 September 2023: Superintendent Neeta Sharma: 2013

Neeta Sharma was Superintendent of Women jail number 6 of Tihar. This was the time when Tinka Tinka Tihar was taking its final shape. Tinka Tinka Foundation presents to you her words, walking on the memory lane. 


Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Mm-wI22seu4

22 September 2023: Tinka Tinka Tihar: 10 years ।Tihar Jail। प्रोमो तिनका तिनका तिहाड़।

जेल के बाहर खड़ी मैं और अंदर बंदिनियां। कैसे आपस में संवाद एक बड़ा आकार लेता गया। कैसे बदली जिंदगियां। क्या कहूं, क्या न कहूं। 10 बरस का होने पर अभिभूत हूं। एक बड़ी सूचना जल्द ही।




ABP Live Podcasts: तिनका-तिनका तिहाड़ का नया संस्करण लॉन्च, जानिए कैसा रहा 10 साल का सफर 



Woman's Era: Tinka Tinka Tihar: Tinka Tinka Foundation Brings Writing From The Largest Prison in Asia, Tihar Jail


Today, after a gap of 10 years, Tinka Tinka Tihar is republished by Tinka Tinka Foundation, showcasing the literary acumen of women inmates lodged in jail number 6 of Tihar.


Tinka Tinka Tihar। Writing from the largest prison in Asia। Tihar Jail ।Reporting from Tihar


Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C1EbkhUVf6s


Tinka Tinka Tihar: Hindustan Times: 4 November, 2023
Being a support to the tinkas in Tihar and beyond




Students' Corner

Tinka Tinka Tihar, the book containing the verses from behind the bars, is now on Amazon. This book is a reflection of interactions with women inmates lodged in the largest prison in South Asia, Tihar. These women inmates came forward to pen down their emotions through poetry. On this Navratra, you may like to feel the intense thoughts of these inmates through a book which is a culmination of sustained efforts and sacrifice.





These pictures have been clicked by Yogita Mishra and Priyanka Gupta.

TINKA TINKA TIHAR: 2023: BOOK REVIEW

When you walk past Tihar jail you would be taken in awe by a beautifully painted wall. The wall exhibits a poem by a woman incarcerated behind it. Tinka Tinka Tihar is a collection of poems written by 4 women inmates of Tihar jail. The wall art is inspired by one of the poems penned down by Seema Raghuvanshi, which has been published in the book. 

In 2013, Dr. Vartika Nanda had the very first meeting with the women inmates of Tihar jail, a result of which 4 of them were chosen to write poems about their lives in jail. 

Overview:

Tinka Tinka Tihar is a prominent book in the field of prison reforms and justice. The book is a critically acclaimed piece of literature that captures the authentic reality of the lives of those who are incarcerated in Tihar jail. The book comprises poems written by women lodged in jail number  6 of Tihar.The book is edited by Dr. Vartika Nanda (prison reformer) & Vimla Mehra (DG, Delhi Prisons, Tihar. The book was first released  in 2013 by the union home minister. After a span of 10 years, the second edition of the book has now come and was released in a big ceremony in Tihar jail, by DG Prisons Sanjay Baniwal (IPS). The poetry in the book are of those who are often forgotten or looked away from by the world outside that beautifully painted wall. 

The content of the book was thoroughly researched by Tinka Prison Research Cell. The cell gathered insights on prison life in Tihar Jail and collected data that adds to the authenticity of the book. 


Tinka Tinka Tihar is a movement that is not limited to the book, but also spans out to a theme song and the wall art in Tihar jail. 

How was the book celebrated?

The release of the second edition of  Tinka Tinka Tihar in the jail premises has encouraged inmates to pen down their feelings more often. The release of the book was followed by the release of a podcast which gave a platform to the voices from Tihar jail. Tinka Tinka Podcast has been broadcasting untold stories from the prisons ever since. 

Journey of Tinka Tinka Tihar: https://youtu.be/vUAClla_WlU?si=LmMhXCwgL06IhL2_ 

Who should read the book?

The book is a pioneering piece of work that dwells deeper into the nuances of prison reforms and the legal framework surrounding it. It is a must read for aspiring and practicing lawyers, legal scholars, journalists, police officials and for those who work in the field of social justice and reforms.

About Tinka Tinka Foundation (TTF)

Tinka Tinka Foundation is a public charitable trust dedicated to prison reforms in India. The organisation utilises multiple platforms to create awareness and bring change to the living conditions in jails through Tinka Tinka books, music, Tinka jail radio, and the establishment of Tinka Tinka Prison Research Cell. Dr. Vartika Nanda, an eminent prison reformer and media educator, is the founder of Tinka Tinka Foundation. The organisation also broadcasts Tinka Tinka Jail Radio podcasts. These are the only podcasts in India catering to prison reforms and bringing stories of hope, creativity and change from the prisons of our country. Tinka Tinka Jail Radio podcasts are available both on YouTube and Spotify.

Dr. Vartika Nanda has written a series of books, including "Tinka Tinka Dasna", "Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh," and "Tinka Tinka Tihar," which delve into the conditions and challenges within prisons in India. These works offer a thorough documentation of real-life prison experiences and provide a realistic portrayal of the lives of inmates in these facilities.

Relevant links: 

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/8ucs5hk 

10 years of Tinka Tinka Tihar: https://youtu.be/C1EbkhUVf6s?si=T9vlewjWnuM5rwKK 


Tinka Tinka Tihar, Journey through pictures: https://youtu.be/_00Rn9S1-jY?si=BiBjEyPwz7rwQeso 


Dr. Vartika Nanda’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vartikananda76/about 


Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh: https://amzn.eu/d/iF5e8lV 

Dr. Vartika Nanda’s website: https://vartikananda.com/ 

Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms’ Website: http://tinkatinka.org/ 

Written by:
Ananya Sharma
Department of Journalism 
Lady Shri Ram College for Women
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Press Clippings






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Order: Tinka Tinka Tihar: 2023: Books - Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms


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Visit the Tinka Tinka Website: http://tinkatinka.org/tinka-tinka-tihar/

Sep 24, 2023

Delhi Police: Podcasts: Kissa Khaki Ka: Episode 85

Promo of Episode 85:

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5n5aouHKNoc?feature=share

Eighty-Fifth Episode of Kissa Khaki Ka: Released on 24 September 2023:


Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWRmdTXZ9bs

Sep 21, 2023

Department of Journalism : Hindi Diwas and Doordarshan Day: 2023

Date: 14 September 2023

Venue: Media Lab, Lady Shri Ram College

Event Organiser: Department of Journalism 


Introduction:

On 14th September, the Journalism Department of Lady Shri Ram College celebrated Hindi Diwas and Doordarshan Day with great enthusiasm and fervour. The event aimed to promote the significance of the Hindi language in our lives and celebrate the foundation day of Doordarshan, India's national television network. Dr. Vartika Nanda, an esteemed professor of the institution, spearheaded this event, which featured students presenting poems, sharing anecdotes about Doordarshan, and discussing the importance of Hindi.


Poetry Recitations:

The event commenced with a series of heart-touching Hindi poems recited by the talented students of the Department of Journalism. These poems celebrated the beauty and richness of the Hindi language. The students' eloquent delivery and emotional depth captivated the audience, setting the tone for the day.


Anecdotes about Doordarshan:

Following the poetry recitations, students took the stage to share personal anecdotes related to Doordarshan. Many of these anecdotes revolved around nostalgic memories of watching Doordarshan programs with their parents or grandparents. These stories evoked a sense of nostalgia among the audience, highlighting the role that Doordarshan has played in the lives of countless Indian families over the years.


Importance of Hindi:

The event also provided a platform for students to discuss the significance of the Hindi language in our lives. They emphasised how Hindi serves as a unifying force in our diverse nation and is essential for preserving our cultural heritage. Students highlighted the importance of promoting Hindi in an era of globalisation, where regional languages sometimes take precedence. They urged everyone to cherish and promote the Hindi language for the greater good of the nation.


Conclusion:

The Hindi Diwas and Doordarshan Day event organised by the students under the guidance of Dr. Vartika Nanda was a resounding success. It not only celebrated the Hindi language but also paid tribute to the iconic Doordarshan network, evoking cherished memories from the past. The event reinforced the importance of Hindi as a unifying language and cultural treasure in our diverse nation. It was a day filled with nostalgia, cultural appreciation, and a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting the Hindi language.


This event stands as a testament to the dedication, vision and the enthusiasm of the students. It left a lasting impact on all attendees, reminding them of the cultural and linguistic richness that is an integral part of our identity as Indians



Advanced Broadcast Media: Weekly Report

Advanced Broadcast Media 

Weekly Report 


11th September  - 15th September 2023


The topic discussed this week was Public Service Model in India; Policy and Laws. The document was prepared by Namrata Verma, Stuti Garg and Nandini Rikhee and presented by Stuti Garg in class. It covered all different laws and policies in India regarding broadcasting. The presentation included history, evolution, rules and regulation of various broadcasting services in India .  The discussion was followed by inputs given by Dr. Vartika Nanda and additional information on BBC, work of Prasar Bharati and the broadcasting models of UK, Australia, Germany and US and the work. She also informed the students about some important research points regarding the same.

This week the class also recapitulated and added detailed discussions on the public service model in India, beginning with the history of the model to the establishment of AIR, Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati. Dr. Vartika Nanda also gave pointers regarding the use of PSB in India right after independence and during partition. 

There was a discussion on the Australian model and the document was made and presented by Nishita Sinha. The document included how Australia has two public service agencies namely PSB and SBS etc. Later in the class, a book from the library was also referred to provide a deeper insight into the topic. The class ended with important research topics given by Dr. Vartika Nanda. The students got an assignment on Vividh Bharati to be written in less than 700 words. The submission date for the assignments was also given: 20th November 2023.


Written by-

Batch 2024

CR, Ishita Kisku and Ashmi Jain


Sep 20, 2023

Tinka Jail Radio | Music in Jail l DJ, Dehradun। Tinka Prison Research Cell। EPISODE 72

EPISODE 72


Date of telecast: 15 September 2023

Today, Tinka Tinka Jail Radio is presenting its 72nd episode. Dr. Suchit Narang, Rohit Verma and Arun and three other inmates namely, Joginder Verma, Vinod Thapa and Sudhir Tiwari, incarcerated in District Jail, Dehradun have lent their voices to this episode of the podcast. 

Tinka Tinka Foundation has presented this episode in collaboration with District Jail, Dehradun. Tinka Tinka has been embarking on the journey of creating rainbows in prisons and this podcast continues to do so by shedding light on the role of music in jails. The research for this podcast is conducted by Tinka Tinka Prison Research Cell, which was established in the year 2022 with the objective of analyzing the role of Tinka Jail Radio in prison reforms. 

Though this episode is based on the progress and impact of jail radio in DJ, Dehradun, it  also has a mention of the international conference held in Barcelona, Spain from 6-8 September, 2023.  Dr. Vartika Nanda, founder of Tinka Tinka Foundation, presented a detailed paper on   "Music on Prison Radio: Impact of Tinka Jail Radio on Inmates in Sonipat Prison, Haryana, India" in the conference. 

Music in Jail | DJ, Dehradun Full Episode: Released on 15 September 2023

Delhi Police: Podcasts: Kissa Khaki Ka : Episode 84 : Running Group se sadhte samajik sarokar

दिल्ली पुलिस पॉडकास्ट किस्सा खाकी का के इस अंक में सुनिए, दिल्ली पुलिस अकादमी के मैराथन क्लब के प्रभारी इंस्पेक्टर संजय कुमार पंघाल के सामाजिक सरोकारों की कहानी।

Promo of Episode 84:



Eighty-Fourth Full Episode of Kissa Khaki Ka: Released on 17 September 2023


Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AstK5-iNLB4?si=GJYXR3H-3hfNDpfc


Media Aur Bazar : Dr. Vartika Nanda : 2018

Title: Media Aur Bazar

Editor: Dr. Vartika Nanda

Year: 2018

Publisher: Samayik Books


Dr. Vartika Nanda, through being richly persuasive and in possession of unmatched scholarship, brings a riveting and edifying take on topics hitherto pushed into oblivion: how economic pressures and commercialization (of media channels) continue to influence the news that we see today. 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

This book provides a comprehensive explanation and analysis of the functioning of  Indian media under the growing  influence of markets and corporations. It gives a detailed account of various issues pertaining to media, that are driven by commercial interests. This book contends that not only in India, but throughout the world, the existence of free press or independent media exists in harmony with the “bazar”. However, the problem arises when these two entities intersect with each other, overstep their jurisdictions and violate prevalent norms in accordance with their respective conveniences.

THE EDITOR’S DILEMMA 

The tragedy, according to the editor of the book is that the market or the  “bazar” has forced modern media channels to constantly change themselves in order to attract advertisements and to stay relevant. In today’s competitive environment, it seems as if the market has a monopoly on the truth. The narrative set by the “bazar” holds much more importance in comparison to the facts that need to be announced. The book consists of numerous hard-hitting quotes that force the reader to cogitate upon the opportunistic intermingling of media and the corporate sector. One such quote, is as follows: 

FOREWORD— 

इससे बड़ा झूठ और क्या होगा

गाँव में सूखा है और ख़बर में पानी है 

In this light, the book delineates the pernicious trajectory of invasive commercialisation and its perceivably lingering consequences for ‘independent’ media. At the same time, the book does not in any way suggest a dissociation of media and bazar. It advocates for a principled distance between the two. 

THE BOOK’S UNIQUE SELLING POINT

What adds to the overall appeal and significance of the book, is the collection of writings by 9 other eminent intellectuals in the field of journalism. Only a few have the capability to combine the vision of a journalistic liberation, with the exact knowledge needed for a precise and workable paradigm shift to deconstruct this ongoing submission. 

RELEVANCE AND PURPOSE 

The range and depth as well as the brilliant arguments set forth by the numerous contributors  in this book, make it an essential treatise for students of journalism and media practitioners alike. It is a fine blend of the media industry and academia that has incorporated balanced inputs from media practitioners and academicians. This book is a compendium of profound insights and is an essential read for those interested in understanding the contemporary media situation.

-By Nirvanika Singh










Website Link : https://vartikananda.com/books/media-aur-bazar/

Sep 11, 2023

Tinka Tinka Foundation represented India at 7th ECREA Radio and Sound Conference in Spain

September 9, 2023

Tinka Tinka Foundation represented India at the 7th ECREA Radio and Sound Conference in Barcelona, Spain.

International Conference on Radio with worldwide participation

Vartika Nanda, Founder of, the Tinka Tinka Foundation shared action-oriented research findings related to the impact of music on prison inmates.

Special mention was made of Haryana Jail Radio in India, initiated by the Tinka Tinka Foundation in Barcelona, Spain. Tinka Tinka Foundation proudly represented India at the prestigious 7th ECREA Radio and Sound Conference, held from September 6th to 8th, 2023, in Barcelona, Spain. 

The theme of the Conference for this year was 'Radio and Sound Ecosystems in the Platform Age.' Dr. Vartika Nanda, the founder of the Tinka Tinka Foundation, delivered a detailed presentation on "Music on Prison Radio: Impact of Tinka Jail Radio on Inmates in Sonipat Prison, Haryana, India", in the panel on "Incarcerated sounds: Making Radio within the prison ecosystem." 

Tinka Model of Prison Radio:

During the presentation, Dr. Nanda introduced the Tinka Tinka Foundation, a non-profit initiative, and discussed the 'Tinka Model of Prison Radio' which has created systematic prison radios in District Jails of Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), and the jails of Haryana. As a case study, Dr. Nanda highlighted the concept of Tinka Jail Radio, its process, and its impact on inmates, with special reference to District Jail, Sonipat. Sonipat is a small town in Haryana, situated close to the Indian capital New Delhi. 

The captivated audience also gained valuable insights into the regular workings of the prison radio, the technical training provided to inmates, and the overwhelmingly positive response from both prison authorities and incarcerated individuals. 

This conference was organized by the European Communication and Research Association (ECREA), hosted by the Catalan Radio Observatory (GRISS-UAB) and the Department of Audio-visual Communication and Advertising of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), from 6 to 8 September 2023 in Barcelona (Spain).

 Journey of Tinka Jail Radio: 

The journey of prison radio began at District Jail, Agra, in Uttar Pradesh in 2019. After an overwhelmingly positive response, the initiative branched out to the jails of Haryana and Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Tinka Tinka Foundation has already started prison radios in 10 out of 20 jails of Haryana. These in-house radio stations are fully run by inmates, 

Apart from this, Tinka Tinka also runs Tinka Jail Radio podcasts, which are the only podcasts in India that are solely dedicated to prison reforms. These are conceptualized, scripted, and voiced by Vartika Nanda. Recently, Tinka Jail Radio podcast released a musical creation "Har Haal Raho Khushaal," which is sung by five inmates incarcerated in District Jail, Sonipat (Episode 71 of Tinka Jail Radio).

Link: Tinka Tinka Jail Radio। Episode 71। Music on Prison Radio। District Jail, Sonipat: Vartika Nanda - YouTube

These podcasts are available on YouTube and Spotify. These podcasts are conceived, narrated, and produced by Dr. Vartika Nanda. 

Impact of Tinka Jail Radio:

Tinka Jail radio has helped immensely in improving the mental and physical well-being of incarcerated individuals in Indian prisons. Moreover, the skill-building activities and training have enabled the inmates to hone their creativity and turn a fresh page. Tinka's model of prison radio is trying to fulfill the communication needs of inmates and bring the stories of prison to the general public. 

Tinka Tinka Foundation in Norway:

In addition to the recent representation in Spain, Tinka Tinka made its mark on the global stage by representing India at the first International Prison Radio Conference in Oslo, Norway, on June 15, 2022. The conference, organized by the Prison Radio Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Services, was a historic event, bringing together participants from over 20 countries. It was aimed at facilitating global knowledge and experience-sharing on the potential of jail radio in humanizing prisons and rehabilitating inmates. Her elaborate presentation included an overview of prison radio in India and details of prison radio initiatives implemented by the Tinka Tinka Foundation.

Tinka Jail Foundation:

Tinka Tinka Foundation is a public charitable trust devoted towards prison reforms. Link: Milestones - Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms 

Its Founder, Vartika Nanda, is the Head of the Journalism Department at Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. She was given the Stri Shakti Award by the President of India in 2014 for her pioneering work.  Her three books on prison reforms- Tinka Tinka Tihar, Tinka Tinka Dasna and Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh are considered to be the authentic versions of prison life. Interestingly, Tinka Tinka Tihar is completing 10 years this month. 

Vartika Nanda has also worked extensively on a special research study for ICSSR in 2020 on the ‘Communication needs of women and children in Indian jails with special reference to prisons in Uttar Pradesh’. This report was evaluated as OUTSTANDING. Vartika Nanda - Wikipedia  She is also the official storyteller of Delhi Police, narrating Kissa Khaki Ka, the only podcast series run by any police department in India. Her name has appeared in the Limca Book of Records twice, for her unique contribution to prison reforms, which was also taken due cognizance by the Supreme Court of India in 2018. 

Gratitude for the work represented in Barcelona, Spain:

Haryana: Mohammad Akil (IPS), DG, Prisons, Haryana, Rajender Kumar,  Superintendent, District Jail, Sonipat and Kishori Lal, Assistant Superintendent, District Jail, Sonipat

Uttarakhand: Vimla Gunjyal, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons and Dadhiram, Senior Superintendent, Uttarakhand Prisons and Pavan Kothari. Jailor, District Jail, Dehradun. 

Tinka Tinka Team: Anurag Kshirsagar and Harsh Vardhan

Panel: Incarcerated sounds: Making radio within the prison ecosystem

Venue:  UAB Casa Convalescència, Barcelona, Spain



















BARCELONA STORY: PRESS COVERAGE:


Semester 1 : Introduction to Journalism

 THE VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF NEWS 


Waking up to a cup of tea and a newspaper has been an old and traditional way of consuming news. However, with today’s fast paced life, the consumption of news has gained some speed as well, with the digital platforms being available to us at all times. In the modern world, news is ubiquitous, however, one finds it difficult to define this term, in any one way. This is due to the fact that the meaning and scope of news has evolved over time and varies according to a number of reasons.


Some claim it to be an acronym for the four cardinal directions ( North, East, West and South),  others claim it to be ‘Notable Events, Weather and Sports’ . But there has been no proof of these acronyms being used officially. Most dictionaries impart the meaning of ‘news’ as “an account of a significant and recent event that affects the audience and is of interest to them.”


This multifaceted term has been defined in numerous ways. Some of them are as follows:


DEFINITION 1: NEWS AS A MEDIUM 

      

“News is a medium through which individuals and societies create, maintain, and share a sense of public knowledge and common understanding.” 

                                        

                                                                                           (Zelizer & Allan, 2011)



                      DEFINITION 2: NEWS AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT 


                                              

 “News is a social construction that provides a mediated reality of events and issues that are selected, framed, and presented by news media professionals.” 


                                                                                           (McQuail, 2010)



DEFINITION 3: NEWS AS A MODE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION


“News is a mode of public communication that represents a specific, observable form of discourse about the world.” 


                                                                                        (Schudson, 2011)



DEFINITION 4: NEWS AS A SUBJECT OF (GREATER) INTEREST 


“News is anything timely that interests a number of persons, and the best news is that which has the greatest interest for the greatest number.”


                                                                                                      (Willard G.  Bleyer, 1932)



 DEFINITION 5: NEWS AS A PROCESS OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATION



News is a process of selecting, processing, and disseminating information about events, issues, and people that are considered newsworthy by journalists.” 


                            

                                                                                 (Zelizer, 1993)

The definitions given above give a broad outline about the concept of news but cannot be regarded as comprehensive or extensive as the concept of news evolves and changes with changing times and evolving societies. News is a relative concept. When the factors affecting news change, then the concept of news also changes.