Title: थी.हूँ..रहूँगी…
Author: Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda
Publisher: Rajkamal Prakashan
Year: 2012
“यह लोग
दिल्ली के नानकपुरा थाने के बाहर अक्सर दिखते हैं
महिला अपराध शाखा के बाहर बैंच पर बैठे
सिलवटों में सिमटी अपनी हथेलियों को देखते
न्याय पाने की मरी उम्मीद अपने फटे दुपट्टे से बांधीं बैठी इन औरतों को
जिस दिन करीब से देखेंगें
सुन लेंगे
उनसे उनकी आंखों से टपकती किसी तरह रिसती और सिसकती कहानी
आप सो नहीं पाएंगें”
-नानकपुरा कुछ नहीं भूलता: Page-11 of Thee. Hoon..Rahungi…
Introduction of the book:
Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi… published by Rajkamal Prakashan in 2012, stands as a monumental work in Indian literature, breaking new ground as the nation’s first collection of poetry centered on the issue of crimes against women. Authored by Vartika Nanda—a crime journalist, academic, and India’s leading prison reformer—the book is a bold and unflinching exploration of a subject often overlooked or deliberately ignored. Thee.Hoon..Rahungi… is dedicated to incarcerated women who have suffered crimes like domestic violence and sexual violence, it blends poetic sensitivity with stark realism, offering a voice to the voiceless while highlighting the resilience of women who endure unimaginable pain.
Dr. Vartika Nanda approaches the subject of crimes against women with remarkable sensitivity and panache. Her poems, therefore, stand as a compelling blend of pragmatism and insight, offering a profound reflection on the complexities of crime.
A New Perspective on Suffering and Strength :
What sets Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi… apart is its ability to intertwine pain with hope. These poems do not shy away from depicting the despair, silence, and anguish that women endure in the face of crimes that often go unnoticed, unreported, or deliberately ignored. Yet, they also radiate an unyielding spirit of defiance. These are women who refuse to be silenced. The recurring refrain—“I was, I am, and I will be”—is both a declaration of existence and a challenge to a society that often seeks to erase them.
“सपनों की पंखुड़ियाँ
किसी के भारी बूटों से कुचलती नहीं
हंटर से छिलती नहीं
बेरुखी से मिटती नहीं
सपनों का ओज
उदासी में घुलता नहीं
टूट कर बिखरता नहीं
अतीत की रोशनी की याद में”
-सबसे ताकतवर होता है: Page-51 of Thee. Hoon..Rahungi…
Through her words, Dr. Nanda addresses an issue where the media, police, and legal systems often fail. Crimes against women, particularly those that occur inside homes, are frequently buried in silence. Her poetry confronts this collective apathy, presenting a raw yet hopeful portrayal of women who, despite their suffering, continue to harbor the flickering light of resilience and courage.
Dr. Nanda’s professional background is integral to the gravity and depth of this book. As a prominent crime reporter who brought unprecedented focus to the crime beat during her tenure at NDTV, and as a scholar who earned a doctorate on the media’s portrayal of rape cases, and a person who has dedicated her life to prison reforms, she brings unparalleled expertise and empathy to this
collection. Her poems are not merely literary expressions; they are deeply rooted in the harsh realities of life, reflecting the unspoken struggles of countless women who become victims of violence—often within the supposed safety of their own homes.
Tinka Tinka Foundation at the cause for women empowerment :
The book’s impact is not confined to its pages. The very title, Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi…, has evolved into a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment and a call to action against gender violence. Its influence extends to the walls of women’s prisons across India, where it has been inscribed as a mantra of hope and resilience. This mantra is an inseparable part of Tinka Tinka Jail Radio, Tinka Tinka India Awards and several other initiatives undertaken by Tinka Tinka Foundation. From the Women’s Jail Number 6 at Tihar(Delhi)—the largest prison complex in South Asia—to District Jail, Karnal (Haryana). District Jail, Agra ( Uttar Pradesh) and Central Jail, Narsinghpur (Madhya Pradesh), these three words resonate as a testament to women’s indomitable spirit on the walls of prisons. This initiative is part of the broader mission of the Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms, a public charitable trust founded by Professor Nanda. Through her work, she has tirelessly championed the rights and voices of incarcerated women and women who have suffered crime at some point of their lives, bringing attention to their stories, struggles, and aspirations. Her efforts have transformed prisons into spaces of reflection and hope, giving inmates the courage to reclaim their narratives. Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi…, Marjani, Tinka Tinka Tihar, Radio in Prison- all these books written by Dr. Nanda over these years have portrayed the power and essence of silence, generally observed by the victims of crime.
The Podcast Series- Giving Voice to the Voiceless :
The influence of Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi… extends beyond traditional mediums of literature. The accompanying podcast series was released on 17th April 2024, 12 years after the book's creation in jail number 6, Tihar itself by Shri Sanjay Beniwal (IPS), DG, Delhi Prisons. It offers an innovative platform for women inmates to share their untold stories. These recordings provide a deeply personal and often harrowing look into their lives, allowing listeners to empathize with the emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of incarceration. Through these podcasts, Dr. Nanda creates a bridge between the inmates and the outside world, fostering a deeper understanding of their humanity.
Celebrating 10 years of Tinka Tinka Tihar in South Asia's largest Jail Tihar। 2023। Vartika Nanda
Embodiment of courage, hope and resilience- Radhika
Radhika- 13th May, 2024: GB Road, Delhi: An episode that left listeners with glistening eyes is that of Radhika.
Radhika’s life is a story of pain, survival, and resilience. At 21, while pursuing her B.A. degree and living with her poor family, she was lured by the promise of a job in Delhi. Dreaming of supporting her parents, she kept the opportunity a secret. However, her hope turned into horror when the man who promised her a better future sold her into a brothel and disappeared. Trapped in a world of exploitation, Radhika’s life became a cycle of relentless pain. She gave birth to a son who was mentally weak and physically disabled. His arrival brought no joy; he was seen as an obstacle. To keep him out of the way, she tied him with a rope in one corner while she cried in another. Amidst this suffering, she also had a daughter.
Desperate for freedom, Radhika sought help from Kiran Sethi, a compassionate Delhi police officer at the GB Road police station. Kiran recognized her pain and helped her escape the brothel. A man had ruined her life, but a woman gave her a second chance. Radhika found a job, earning 14-15k a month, but her past continued to haunt her. She lost jobs when employers discovered her history. To avoid stigma, she changed her name three times, and still chooses to be called “Radhika.” for this story. Her parents remain unaware of her ordeal. Despite the scars of her past and the absence of a father for her children, she stands strong.
Today, her son lives in a hostel, and her daughter stays with her. Radhika works at a cloth retailer, striving for independence. With Kiran’s help, she also learned to drive an e-rickshaw, taking control of her life. Her journey is one of courage and determination, driven by the belief: “A path is found when you choose to walk.”
You may never recognize her on the street, but Radhika continues to live with unbroken spirit, guided by her mantra:
“थी... हूं... रहूंगी...”
A Legacy of Recognition and Change :
The book’s journey is as illustrious as its content. It was launched at prestigious events, including the International Book Fair by literary stalwart Prof. Namwar Singh in 2012. It was also released at the Patna Book Fair in 2012 by the renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar. Over time, it has been presented to key leaders, including the Minister of Women and Child Development and the Minister of State for External Affairs during the World Hindi Conference in Johannesburg (South Africa) in 2012, solidifying its place as a work of national and international significance.
More than just poetry :
2012 was poetry, 2013 saw the formation of Tinka Tinka Tihar, the book that eventually earned its place in the Limca Book of Records for its originality. And later in 2024, Thee.Hoon..Rahungi... was released as a podcast.
The book is a movement, a declaration, and a source of inspiration. It compels society to confront its silence, challenges the systemic failures that perpetuate violence against women, and empowers women to rise above their suffering. Through its profound verses and far-reaching influence, this book reminds us that the power of words can transcend walls, touch hearts, and ignite change. It is a literary and social milestone that will continue to echo in prisons, homes, and hearts for years to come.
References:
Nanda, V. (2024) Radio in Prison: National Book Trust, India: ISBN 978-93-5743-974-9
Nanda, V. (2015) Raniyan Sab Janti Hain: Publisher: Vani Prakashan: ISBN 978-93-5072-976-2 (selected amongst TOP 5 books by Femina)
Nanda, V. (2012) Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi.... Delhi: Rajkamal Prakashan: ISBN 978-81-267-2232-7. (First collection of poems in the country on the issues of crimes against women) (received Dr Radha Krishnan Memorial Award & Rituraj Parampara Samman)
Nanda, V. (2011) Marjani: Publisher: Rajkamal Prakashan: ISBN 978-81-267-2098-9
Website: www.vartikananda.com
(This book review is written by Chahak, a student of the Department of Journalism at LSR. She is from the batch of 2027)
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