Agra Jail Radio Completes Six Transformative Years Behind Bars

Agra, July 19, 2025:

Press Release  

Agra Jail Radio Completes Six Transformative Years Behind Bars

Jail Radio in the oldest jail building in India completes 6 years: 2025

Prison radio in District Jail Agra was launched on 31 July, 2024

Major boost to inmates especially during Covid-19 

Prompted Uttar Pradesh to initiate prison radios in other jails

Inmates selected and trained by prison reformer Vartika Nanda

Training for a new batch of inmates will start soon.

A magic entered the oldest jail building in India exactly six years ago in the form of the jail radio. It was this day today in 2019 when Babloo Kumar SSP, Shashikant Mishra, Jail Superintendent, and Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda, Tinka Tinka Foundation inaugurated the prison radio. The radio station was established with the aim of fostering positive communication and creative engagement among inmates. What began as a modest experiment has now become a vital part of prison life.Agra Jail Radio

A Platform of Expression and Hope

The radio was set up under the guidance of the Tinka Tinka Foundation, a leading organization working for prison reforms in India. It was conceptualized by Professor Vartika Nanda, Head. Department of Journalism, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Vartika Nanda - Wikipedia She  is also the founder of the Foundation. Her vision of Radio in Prison has turned into a powerful tool for rehabilitation and reform across various prisons in the country.

How is the prison radio working today

Starting with just three inmate radio jockeys (RJs), the initiative has grown steadily over the years. Today, four inmate RJs anchor the two-hour daily programming, which includes music, storytelling, poetry, inspirational content, and educational discussions—all created and presented by the inmates themselves. The radio station has become a trusted and therapeutic space in the prison, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.

Official bite:

Today, the jail radio is running efficiently under the leadership of Shri Hari Om Sharma, Superintendent of this jail. According to him, “ this jail radio has proven to be a boon for the incarcerated souls. This is also playing a vital role in improving their mental health. ”

Who were the radio jockeys in 2019

At the time of the launch, female inmate Tuhina, a graduate from IIM Bangalore, and male inmate Uday, a postgraduate, were made radio jockeys. Later, another inmate, Rajat, joined them. Tuhina became the first female radio jockey in the jails of Uttar Pradesh. The scripts for the radio were prepared by the inmates themselves. 

New Voice Joins the Airwaves

This year marks a new milestone with the induction of a new RJ into the team, continuing the radio's tradition of nurturing talent behind bars. The inclusion symbolizes not just growth in numbers, but also the evolving confidence and enthusiasm among inmates to participate and contribute meaningfully.

The radio’s content remains entirely inmate-driven, with training and support provided through the Tinka Tinka Foundation. Prison authorities have also acknowledged the initiative’s role in improving mental health, reducing conflict, and building a sense of community in the jail.

Jail Radio and the research: 

Vartika Nanda’s research on the “Study of the condition of women inmates and their children in Indian Prisons and their communication needs with special reference to Uttar Pradesh” was evaluated as OUTSTANDING by ICSSR. This was released in Lucknow by Shri Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh and Shri P. V. Rama Sastry, Director General of Police/Inspector General Prison, Prison Administration and Reform Services, Uttar Pradesh in 2024.Jail Radio: Uttar Pradesh – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms. Interestingly, Agra Jail Radio is an important part of this research. Also, Radio in Prison, published by NBT in 2024, also has this jail radio at its centre.Radio in Prison – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms. This book was released by NBT Chairman Milind Sudhakar Marathe, along with Kumar Vikram, NBT’s Editor-in-Chief, PN Pandey, DIG Prisons (Agra Range), Mehak Kasbekar, Editor-in-Chief of Brut India, and Dr. Nanda herself in a grand ceremony at the international book fair in New Delhi in 2024. 

 Story in UP Tak: Agra Jail Radio: https://www.uptak.in/neighbouring-news/agra/story/4-prisoners-became-rjs-2-hour-program-the-full-story-of-the-amazing-6-years-of-jail-radio-in-agra-3194049-2025-07-31

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Agra Jail Radio: 6 years of systematic communication in the oldest jail building of India

t’s 1:30 PM in District Jail, Agra—a quiet hum fills the air as Uday, Prevendra, Bharat, and Kuldeep step into a familiar room where time transforms into connection and creativity. For the next three hours, this space is their sanctuary—a place they eagerly return to day after day.

🎙️ Welcome to the Jail Radio Room, nestled deep within the walls of this correctional facility in Uttar Pradesh. It’s not just a room—it’s a heartbeat of possibility. Here, incarcerated voices find rhythm, stories take flight, and prisoners become storytellers, broadcasters, and beacons of change. The microphone gives them something rare: a platform to express, to heal, and to hope.

Conceived and executed by India’s leading prison reformer, Prof. Vartika Nanda, this pioneering initiative was inaugurated on July 31, 2019 by  Babloo Kumar (IPS), SSP,  Agra and Shashikant Mishra, Jail Superintendent.

 When COVID-19 struck India, a nationwide ban on jail visitations was imposed—cutting incarcerated individuals off from their families and the outside world. It was during this period of isolation that the transformative power of prison radio was profoundly realized.

📻 In the absence of physical connections, radio emerged as a lifeline. Within the prison walls, it became the primary source of information, reassurance, and entertainment—offering comfort to countless souls navigating uncertainty behind bars.

✨ It was amid this backdrop that the Tinka Model of Prison Radio began to take shape—an innovative concept driven by the need for emotional resilience and constructive engagement.

Later, in 2024, a detailed research report titled, “Study of the condition of women inmates and their children in Indian Prisons and their communication needs with special reference to Uttar Pradesh” conducted under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), was released in Lucknow by Shri Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh and Shri P. V. Rama Sastry, Director General of Police/Inspector General Prison, Prison Administration and Reform Services, Uttar Pradesh.

Today, Jail Radio at District Jail, Agra stands as an integral pillar of daily life within the prison—no longer a novelty, but a deeply embedded channel of communication, reflection, and reform.

📚 This transformation has been captured in the book Radio in Prison, published by National Book Trust (NBT), India in 2024. The book places Agra's Jail Radio at the heart of its narrative and highlights how the initiative has reshaped prison culture. It has contributed in the improving the mental well-being of inmates and has given them a creative engagement apart from providing them a much-needed identity.  Staff and inmates alike participate, promoting unity and positive communication within the prison ecosystem through this jail radio. 

Interestingly, this radio paved the way for establishing prison radios in Haryana and in District Jail, Uttarakhand by Tinka Tinka Foundation. Today, these jails have a better way of communicating with each other. 

Links: 

Jail Radio: Uttar Pradesh – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms

आगरा जेल रेडियो। तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन। Voices behind Bars। District Jail, Agra। Uttar Pradesh - YouTube

Agra Jail Radio: For the inmates, by the inmates।Jail। Vartika Nanda - YouTube

One Tree, One Gesture: A Silent Boy’s First Brush with Hope: July, 2025

INDIA: It was around 4 PM when we stepped into the Special After Care Home for Children in Lajpat Nagar—a quiet, modest enclave nestled in South Delhi. The home, run by the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), Government of Delhi, shelters youth aged 18 to 21 under the Juvenile Justice Act. Behind its inconspicuous gate live stories often unheard. And on this day, one such story found its voice without a single word spoken. We were led into a dormitory where five boys lived. Each had a past, a journey, and wounds still healing. But it was the fifth boy—Krishna (name changed)—who drew our gaze. Not by speaking, but through his absolute silence. 

 Link: https://www.transcontinentaltimes.com/one-tree-one-gesture/

एक पेड़ और बड़ी उम्मीदों का आकाश

दिल्ली के लाजपत नगर स्थित विशेष पुनर्वास गृह में एक सामान्य दोपहर असाधारण बन गई। यह पुनर्वास केंद्र महिला एवं बाल विकास विभाग द्वारा संचालित है और यहां किशोर न्याय अधिनियम के तहत 18 से 21 वर्ष की उम्र के युवाओं को आश्रय मिलता है।

मौन की गूंज

करीब 4 बजे जब हम केंद्र में प्रवेश करते हैं, तो वहाँ के सादे वातावरण में मानो कई अनसुनी कहानियाँ छिपी हैं। पांच किशोरों के उस डॉरमिटरी में एक चेहरा सबसे अधिक ध्यान खींचता है—कृष्णा (बदला हुआ नाम)। वो सब कुछ सुन रहा है और बेहद खुश दिख रहा है। बताया जाता है कि वो  न बोल सकता है, न सुन सकता है। उसका अतीत भी किसी अंधेरे में है। कोई नहीं जानता कि उसका परिवार कहां है और वो कहां से आया। उसकी  मुस्कान जैसे कह रही हो कि हर कहानी को शब्दों की ज़रूरत नहीं होती।

एक मुलाक़ात, बिना शब्दों के

आज इस केंद्र में एक विशेष निरीक्षण के लिए पहुंची हैं विभाग की सचिव डॉ. रश्मि सिंह (आईं.ए.एस)। वे अन्य किशोरों से बातचीत करती हैं, लेकिन कृष्णा उन्हें देखकर वे सिर्फ मुस्कुरा देती हैं। दोनों के बीच हुए मौन संवाद में शब्दों की कोई कमी महसूस नहीं होती। इशारों और भावों से सजी यह मुलाकात एक विशेष संबंध को जन्म देती है।

वृक्षारोपण का प्रतीक

डॉ. सिंह अचानक कृष्णा को आंगन में एक पेड़ लगाने के लिए आमंत्रित करती हैं। मिट्टी में एक छोटा सा पौधा लगाते हुए कृष्णा की आंखों की चमक उसके मन की खुशी की साक्षी बन जाती है। यह केवल एक पौधा नहीं था, बल्कि स्वीकृति, उम्मीद और साझेदारी का प्रतीक था।

 एक नयी राह की शुरुआत

डॉ. सिंह ने अपने विभाग को निर्देश दिया कि कृष्णा के लिए एक व्यक्तिगत कौशल-विकास योजना तैयार की जाए ताकि उसे प्रशिक्षण और रोज़गार के अवसर मिल सकें—इससे पहले कि उसे नियम के मुताबिक 21 वर्ष की आयु के बाद पुनर्वास गृह को छोड़ना पड़े। वह वृक्ष, जो उस दिन लगाया गया, अब एक वचन बन चुका है।

पत्रकार की दृष्टि

एक मीडिया शिक्षक और जेल सुधारक के तौर पर जेल या पुनर्वास केंद्रों जैसी जगहें समाज के अनछुए पहलुओं  से जोड़ती हैं। कृष्णा की इस कहानी और डॉ. रश्मि सिंह की इस पहल ने एक बार फिर यह साबित किया है कि उम्मीद हर बार शोर नहीं करती, कभी-कभी वह बस इशारों से बात करती है और चुपचाप दिल छू जाती है।

मूक क्रांति की आहट

देश में ऐसे कितने ही कृष्णा हैं—जिन्हें न कोई सुनता है, न देखता है। लेकिन जब कोई सुनने वाला मिलता है तो बदलाव का पौधा अपनी जड़ जरूर पकड़ लेता है। 

प्रोफेसर वर्तिका नन्दा

Radio in Prison: Report on the book release: 03.03.2025

दिनांक: 03-02-2025

स्थान: विश्व पुस्तक मेला, प्रगति मैदान

आयोजक: नेशनल बुक ट्रस्ट (NBT) और तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन

मुख्य अतिथि:

• मिलिंद सुधाकर मराठे (अध्यक्ष, NBT)

• कुमार विक्रम (प्रधान संपादक, NBT)

• श्री पी.एन. पांडे (डीआईजीxxx, आगरा रेंज)

• सुश्री महेक कस्बेकर (प्रधान संपादक एवं पत्रकार, ब्रूट इंडिया)

• डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा (लेखिका, जेल सुधारक एवं तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन की संस्थापक)

नेशनल बुक ट्रस्ट (NBT) और तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन के संयुक्त तत्वावधान में "रेडियो इन प्रिजन" पुस्तक का विमोचन किया गया। यह भारत में जेल रेडियो पर लिखी गई पहली पुस्तक है, जिसे जेल सुधारक और मीडिया शिक्षिका डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा ने लिखा है। इस पुस्तक में जेलों में रेडियो की भूमिका, कैदियों के मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर इसके प्रभाव और जेल सुधार में मीडिया के योगदान को विस्तार से बताया गया है।

कार्यक्रम में NBT अध्यक्ष मिलिंद सुधाकर मराठे, प्रधान संपादक कुमार विक्रम, आगरा रेंज के डीआईजी जेल, श्री पी.एन. पांडे, ब्रूट इंडिया की प्रधान संपादक एवं पत्रकार सुश्री महेक कस्बेकर और लेखिका डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा उपस्थित रहे। अपने स्वागत भाषण में NBT अध्यक्ष मिलिंद सुधाकर मराठे ने इस पुस्तक के महत्व को रेखांकित करते हुए कहा कि यह न केवल जेलों में हो रहे सकारात्मक बदलावों को सामने लाती है, बल्कि समाज को भी इस विषय पर सोचने के लिए प्रेरित करती है।

पुस्तक विमोचन के बाद "तिनका जेल रेडियो" पर आधारित एक विशेष वीडियो प्रस्तुत किया गया, जिसमें जेल रेडियो की यात्रा और "रेडियो इन प्रिजन" पुस्तक के निर्माण की कहानी को दर्शाया गया। वीडियो की पृष्ठभूमि में डॉ. सुचित नारंग (दृष्टिबाधित कैदी, जिला जेल, देहरादून) द्वारा रचित और गाया गया एक भावनात्मक गीत बजाया गया, जिसने दर्शकों को गहरे स्तर पर प्रभावित किया।

कार्यक्रम का संचालन सुश्री महेक कस्बेकर ने किया। चर्चा के दौरान उन्होंने डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा से पूछा कि भारतीय जेलों में "तिनका जेल पत्रकारिता" की अवधारणा कितनी अनूठी है और इसका कैदियों के मानसिक स्वास्थ्य एवं पुनर्वास पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ता है? इस पर डॉ. नंदा ने बताया कि जेल रेडियो एक ऐसा माध्यम बन गया है, जिसने कैदियों को संवाद करने, अपनी कहानियाँ साझा करने और अपनी रचनात्मकता को व्यक्त करने का अवसर दिया है। उन्होंने बताया कि यह पहल विशेष रूप से कोविड-19 महामारी के दौरान बेहद प्रभावी साबित हुई, जब कैदी बाहरी दुनिया से कटा हुआ महसूस कर रहे थे।

डॉ. नंदा ने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि जेल रेडियो, पॉडकास्ट, जेल पुरस्कार और जेल जीवन पर लिखी गई पुस्तकों ने जेलों के अनदेखे पहलुओं को उजागर करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। उन्होंने कहा कि इस पहल के कारण जेलों में अवसाद, आक्रामकता और आत्म-नुकसान की घटनाओं में कमी आई है, क्योंकि यह कैदियों को रचनात्मक अभिव्यक्ति का मंच प्रदान करता है।

आगरा रेंज के डीआईजी JAIL श्री पी.एन. पांडे ने घोषणा की कि जल्द ही उत्तर प्रदेश की जेलों में नए जेल रेडियो स्टेशन शुरू किए जाएंगे। उन्होंने यह भी बताया कि यूपी की जेलों में पहले से ही डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा द्वारा महिला कैदियों और उनके बच्चों की संचार आवश्यकताओं पर दी गई सिफारिशों को लागू किया जा चुका है। इस शोध को ICSSR के तहत किया गया था और इसे उत्कृष्ट माना गया था। अगस्त 2024 में उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्य सचिव, श्री मनोज कुमार सिंह और जेल महानिदेशक श्री पी.वी. रामासास्त्री द्वारा इसे जारी किया गया था।

इस महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम में लेडी श्रीराम कॉलेज (LSR) के पत्रकारिता विभाग के छात्रों ने भी सक्रिय रूप से भाग लिया। उन्होंने अतिथियों के साथ संवाद किया और जेल सुधार में मीडिया की भूमिका पर विचार-विमर्श किया।

कार्यक्रम के अंत में डॉ. वर्तिका नंदा ने अपने अनुभव साझा करते हुए कहा कि जेल की उनकी विविध यात्राएं उन्हें स्वतंत्रता के वास्तविक महत्व को समझने का अवसर देती है—एक ऐसी चीज़ जिसे हम अक्सर हल्के में ले लेते हैं। 

चर्चा के दौरान पैनल ने दर्शकों की प्रतिक्रियाएँ भी सुनीं और इस बात पर सहमति जताई कि "रेडियो इन प्रिजन" एक महत्वपूर्ण पुस्तक है, जो आम नागरिकों को जेल जीवन की वास्तविकताओं से जोड़ने और इस विषय पर अधिक संवेदनशील बनाने का माध्यम बन सकती है।

"रेडियो इन प्रिजन" पुस्तक का विमोचन जेल सुधार की दिशा में एक ऐतिहासिक कदम साबित हुआ है। इस कार्यक्रम ने जेलों में रेडियो की भूमिका और उसके सुधारात्मक प्रभाव को उजागर करने का महत्वपूर्ण अवसर प्रदान किया। यह स्पष्ट होता है कि मीडिया, विशेष रूप से रेडियो, कैदियों के मानसिक एवं सामाजिक पुनर्वास में एक प्रभावशाली माध्यम बन सकता है। "रेडियो इन प्रिजन" केवल एक किताब नहीं, बल्कि जेल सुधार और कैदियों के पुनर्वास की दिशा में उठाया गया एक सशक्त कदम है।

आकांक्षा चौधरी

"From Breaking News to Prison Reform: My 30-Year Journey Since the Naina Sahni Case": Vartika Nanda: NDTV

6 May, 2025

On 2 July, 1995, Naina Sahni, a 29 years old woman was shot three bullets by her husband Sushil Sharma, a youth leader of Indian National Congress. This case is also known as the #tandoorcase.

After killing Naina Sahni, Sushil Sharma carried the dead body in his car to Bagia Bar-be-Que restaurant where he chopped the corpse into pieces and dumped it in the Tandoor.

He was arrested on 10 July ( after 8 days). He was sentenced to death by the Trial and Delhi High Court which was later turned into life imprisonment by the Supreme court of India. 

I was in Zee TV (now ZEE News) at that time and could see the public reaction to this story. 

Over the past 30 years, I’ve carved my own path in crime reporting. From leading the crime beat at NDTV to founding the Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms initiative, and most recently, shaping stories with the Delhi Police through their unique podcast series #KissaKhakiKa, these experiences have profoundly influenced my outlook.

At the core of my journey lies a belief: journalism must never be rushed. We must reflect deeply before we speak. Our words should carry intention—not just information. Above all, we must strive to inspire positive change in the world we inhabit. Everything else can follow.

So here it goes. 30 years later, I had a detailed conversation on Naina- Sushil Sharma case with Anwiti at NDTV. This conversation will be released soon. 

Also to add, this case was also a part of my two books on crime reporting- one published by #IIMC and other by Rajkamal Prakashan

17 July, 2025: Central Jail, Bhopal: “Voices Unlocked: Women Inmates Discover the Power of Communication” in Central Jail, Bhopal

 17 July, 2025: Voices Unlocked: Healing Through Expression in Bhopal Central Jail 

Introduction: On the eve of Nelson Mandela Day on 17 July, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission, in collaboration with the Tinka Tinka Foundation, organised a one-day communication and creativity workshop titled “Voices Unlocked: Women Inmates Discover the Power of Communication” at Central Jail, Bhopal. The objective of the initiative was to help women inmates express themselves through art, media, and storytelling, transforming silence into self-awareness and healing. Out of 200 inmates, 115 participated in initial discussions, and 50 were selected for focused training sessions that used TV and newspapers as tools for reform and personality development. The workshop featured stories like Anjani’s, a transgender inmate who rediscovered her dream of becoming a fashion designer, and Rajni’s, a 62-year-old who learned to read and found peace through art. Women expressed their emotions through paintings on themes such as “Dreams in Jail”. According to Member Secretary Suresh Tomar, the Commission plans to expand such skill and communication development programmes across other prisons in Madhya Pradesh. Through this initiative, organisers demonstrated how communication and creativity can serve as powerful tools for rehabilitation and dignity in prisons.

Gratitude: Suresh Tomar, Secretary, MP State Women's Commission,  M R Patel,  (DIG, Jail),  Rakesh Bhangre (Superintendent, Central Jail, Bhopal) and Praveen Gangrade ( Director Anand Department)

“Voices Unlocked: Women Inmates Discover the Power of Communication” in Central Jail, Bhopal

- Learning to Speak: Basics of Communication as Therapy

- A Day of Discovery: From Silence to Self-Awareness

- Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission in collaboration with the Tinka Tinka Foundation, celebrate creativity in jail. 

Anjani’s Dream Woven in Color and Courage

At 35, Anjani had one dream: to become a fashion designer. She filled out her application forms with hope, but when the institute learned she was from the transgender community, her form was rejected—her identity overshadowing her aspirations. Today, within the walls of Bhopal Central Jail, that dream has found new life.

Here, in a place where society often sees as the end, Anjani has found a beginning. “Outside, we face discrimination but inside these walls, I’ve found the freedom to learn,” she said. The jail, once a symbol of confinement, has become a space of possibility—offering her the education and encouragement she was denied on the outside. Her story is not just about fashion. It’s about dignity, resilience, and the power of second chances. Anjani stood tall among a crowd of women inmates, clutching a painting she had created—a vivid reflection of her dreams. With quiet strength and unwavering resolve, she declared, “I want to be a fashion designer.”

Rajni’s Journey: From Silence to Solace

At 62, Rajni’s story is one of quiet transformation. When she entered Bhopal Central Jail in 2005 as a convict, she was illiterate—unable to read or write, and burdened by the weight of her past but here, in the jail, she discovered something unexpected: peace.

Over the years, Rajni learned to read, to express herself, and most importantly, to find happiness. “Jail gave me something I never had outside—solace,” she said softly, her eyes reflecting years of introspection.

Rajni shared her journey through art. She held up a painting she had created—featuring a Tulsi plant and a glowing moon at its centre. The Tulsi, sacred and healing; the moon, serene and constant. Together, they symbolized her newfound faith and inner calm. Her story is a testament to the power of learning, healing, and spiritual growth—even in the most unlikely places.

Expressions Behind Bars: Stories of Hope from Bhopal Central Jail in Madhya Pradesh

These expressions were made by women prisoners in a special one-day workshop on TV and newspapers as a means of reform and personality development in the women's ward of Central Jail, Bhopal. This was organised by Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission in collaboration with the Tinka Tinka Foundation, on the eve of Nelson Mandela Day.

The exercise: Out of 200 women inmates in the jail, 115 were chosen for a discourse, later selecting a group of 50 women for the specialised workshop. The workshop was designed to address the communication needs of women inmates, helping them articulate their inner worlds through visual and verbal storytelling. From dreams to regrets, from aspirations to affirmations, the women used media as a mirror to reflect their evolving selves. 

What women inmates expressed and the outcome: Women expressed their mental and emotional state through vibrant paintings on themes like dreams in jail etc, topics that have been dealt by Tinka Tinka Foundation in the past as apart of the annual awards given by them. These artworks became more than just creative exercises—they were windows into their inner worlds, tools for healing, and steps toward reclaiming their identities. 

The workshop resulted in transforming the space into a canvas of dreams, resilience, and self-expression. The workshop carefully focused on the communication needs of women prisoners—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of rehabilitation. Through the mediums of TV and newspapers, the initiative aimed to foster personality development and prepare inmates for future employment.

These expressions weren’t just artistic—they were therapeutic.  Even the illiterate women inmates came forward to express themselves with confidence. Rami, an inmate said, “ this was the best day in the jail, since I have come here. I am thrilled that I could express myself in such a unique manner.”

What the organisers felt: Member Secretary of the Commission, Suresh Tomar, emphasized the long-term vision behind such efforts. “The Commission has been organizing various programmes for skill development of women prisoners, and these initiatives will continue,” he said. “We will make continuous efforts for the upliftment of women and will soon conduct skill development programmes for women inmates in other jails. ”

Together, these voices—spoken and painted—signal a new chapter in rehabilitation: one where communication becomes a bridge to dignity, growth, and reintegration.

Professor Vartika Nanda, Head, Department of Journalism, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University and Founder, Tinka Tinka Foundation said, “ Tinka Tinka Foundation is credited to introduce journalism in jails. This exercise is another step in this direction. We want to impart basic skills in these women, give them the opportunity to fill their empty time with something meaningful, provide them a purpose and address their communication needs. By doing so, we are able to also cater to their mental health. Today’s exercise has once again proved that incarcerated women must be given such platforms so that they are able to live a life of purpose and dignity.” 

Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bhangre gave unwavering support to the entire exercise. He said, “ We have seen several organisations visiting us in the past but very few go deeper into the prison life and offer remedies for improving living conditions of inmates. I would say, today’s exercise has been a powerful step in fulfilling this.” 

 DIG jail M R Patel, Director and Anand Department Praveen Gangrade were also present during the event.

Background: Tinka Tinka Foundation is widely recognised for its seminal work in the form of a unique coffee table book- Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh- which was released by Shri Kiren Rijuji, then Minister of State for Home Affairs in 2018. This book stands out as an authentic documentation of prison life, capturing the lived experiences of 19 participants—including 12 male inmates, 2 female inmates, 4 children residing with their mothers in jail, and one prison guard (prahari). Through vivid visuals and personal narratives, the book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of incarceration. Her  "Study of the condition of women inmates and their children in Indian Prisons and their communication needs with special reference to Uttar Pradesh" was been evaluated as OUTSTANDING by ICSSR and was released by Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh in 2024. 

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Press Release in Hindi

सेंट्रल जेल, भोपाल: सपनों और साहस की चित्रशाला बनी जेल

नेल्सन मंडेला दिवस की पूर्व संध्या पर, भोपाल की सेंट्रल जेल में एक परिवर्तनकारी पहल सामने आई, जिसे मध्य प्रदेश राज्य महिला आयोग और तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन ने मिलकर आयोजित किया। इस एक दिवसीय विशेष कार्यशाला में 115 महिला बंदियों ने भाग लिया, जिसमें से 50 को मीडिया, संप्रेषण और व्यक्तित्व विकास पर आधारित विशेष सत्र के लिए चुना गया।

📚 कला, कहानी और आत्म-अभिव्यक्ति का संगम

कार्यशाला का उद्देश्य था – बंदियों की संवादात्मक ज़रूरतों को समझना और उन्हें अपनी भावनाओं, सपनों और पछतावे को शब्दों और रंगों में पिरोने का मंच देना। टीवी, अख़बारों और पेंटिंग्स की सहायता से उन्होंने अपनी पहचान और आत्म-खोज को अभिव्यक्त किया।

🎨 अंजनी की कहानी: रंगों में बुना सपना

35 वर्षीया अंजनी, ट्रांसजेंडर समुदाय की सदस्य हैं। उनकी चित्रकला में फैशन डिज़ाइनर बनने की आकांक्षा उजागर हुई। उन्होंने कहा, "बाहर हम भेदभाव सहते हैं, लेकिन जेल के भीतर मैंने सीखने की आज़ादी पाई है।"

🌙 रजनी की यात्रा: चुप्पी से सुकून तक

62 वर्षीय रजनी 2005 में जेल आईं. उन्होंने ने जेल में रहकर पढ़ना-लिखना सीखा और जीवन को नया अर्थ दिया। उनकी तुलसी के पौधे और चंद्रमा की चित्रकला उनकी आस्था और शांति की कहानी कहती है।

🖌️ दीवारों के भीतर नई पहचान

अशिक्षित महिला बंदियों ने भी आत्म-विश्वास के साथ भाग लिया। बंदी रमी ने कहा, "यह जेल में मेरा सबसे अच्छा दिन था।"

🔗 संस्था की दृष्टि: सुधार और सम्मान का वादा

राज्य महिला आयोग के सदस्य सचिव सुरेश तोमर ने कहा कि यह प्रयास अन्य जेलों तक बढ़ाया जाएगा। जेल अधीक्षक राकेश भंगरे ने इस पहल की सराहना की, इसे सुधार की दिशा में ठोस कदम बताया।

🖊️ तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन: जेल में पत्रकारिता का प्रवेश द्वार

तिनका तिनका की संस्थापक और लेडी श्रीराम कॉलेज की पत्रकारिता विभागाध्यक्ष प्रोफेसर वर्तिका नंदा ने कहा, "हम खाली समय को उद्देश्यपूर्ण बनाकर मानसिक स्वास्थ्य का समर्थन करते हैं। हम जेलों में अनूठे प्रयोग कर बंदियों की जिंदगी में बेहतरी लाने और उन्हें समाज में बेहतर इंसान के तौर पर लौटने में मदद कर कर रहे हैं."

📚 मध्य प्रदेश की जेलों पर महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेज

तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन ने 2018 में जेलों पर एक कॉफी टेबल बुक- तिनका तिनका मध्य प्रदेश का प्रकाशन किया था जिसके केंद्र में मद्य प्रदेश की जेलें थीं। ICSSR ने 2020 में प्रों. नन्दा के उस शोध को उत्कृष्ट करार किया था जिसमें जेल के बंदियों की संवाद की जरूरतों पर जोर दिया गया था।

🌱 नवाचार की ओर एक कदम

DIG जेल एम.आर. पटेल और आनंद विभाग के निदेशक प्रवीण गंगराड़े भी इस कार्यक्रम में शामिल रहे। 

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In Press: 18 July, 2025: https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/life-of-woman-is-more-difficult-in-family-than-jail-say-female-prisoners

DAINIK BHASKAR: 18 JULY

DAINIK BHASKAR: 19 JULY

AMAR UJALA: 22 JULY, 2025

Nelson Mandela Day 2025 Bhopal Jail Organizes Workshop To Empower Women Prisoners Mp News In Hindi - Amar Ujala Hindi News Live - नेल्सन मंडेला दिवस: भोपाल की सेंट्रल जेल में परिवर्तनकारी पहल, विशेष कार्यशाला में महिला बंदियों ने लिया भाग

TRANSCONTINENTAL TIMES: SPAIN: 23 JULY, 2025

Bhopal’s Central Jail Transforms Into a Canvas of Hope and Hidden Dreams — Transcontinental Times

Interview for Dainik Bhaskar was taken by Sumit Pandey.

Sumit Pandey is a pass out from Makhan Lal University, Bhopal. He proudly shared with me his picture where I was giving him an award in 2007 along with the VC, Dr. Achutya Nand Mishra.

 

16 जुलाई, 2025 -स्त्री- दैनिक भास्कर (मधुरिमा)

अखबार में कविता छपने का स्वाद ही कुछ अलग होता है—एक सधी हुई मिठास, जो मन को भीतर तक छू जाती है। आज का दिन खास रहा, जब मेरी रचना 'स्त्री' को दैनिक भास्कर की लोकप्रिय 'मधुरिमा' में स्थान मिला। यह सुखद अनुभव और भी खास बन गया जब कई अनजाने पाठकों ने अपनी प्रतिक्रिया भेजी—जिनसे कभी कोई संवाद नहीं हुआ था, पर शब्दों ने पुल बना दिए।

शुक्रिया रचना समंदर इस कविता को इतनी सुंदर जगह देने के लिए।

स्त्री किसी भी राजनीति, बहस या मजाक के केंद्र में कहीं से लाकर रख दी जाती है स्त्री उसके बिना गाली पूरी नहीं होती उसके बिना उलाहनों के गट्ठर भी नहीं बन पाते किसी के उजड़ने के पीछे भी किसी स्त्री का नाम जरुरी है गिरते चरित्र का कोई कथानक भी स्त्री के बिना कहां पूरा हो पाता है सामान बेचने के विज्ञापन में भी स्त्री की छुअन जरूरी है भले ही उसका स्त्री से न हो कोई ताल्लुक स्त्री के बिना टीवी की खबर नहीं चलती स्त्री के बिना जुमले पूरे नहीं होते स्त्री के बिना अपराध होने की वजह नहीं टिकती हत्या से आत्महत्या तक महल से बस्ती तक ( संसद से सड़क तक) -सब जगह जो भी अटपटा, टेढ़ा या मटमैला है उसके भी गर्भ में रख दी जाती है-स्त्री और अब तो यह भी कहा जा रहा है कि दफ्तर पर ज्यादा काम जरूरी है कि कोई घर की स्त्री को कितनी देर तक निहारे स्त्री गडमड हो गई है इन सबमें तन से स्त्री रही पर मन में सिलवटें भर आईं वो पुरुष जैसी बने, स्त्री ही रहे या फिर कुछ भी न रहे इसका फैसला भी स्त्री नहीं करेगी वर्तिका नन्दा

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I was pleasantly surprised to receive this beautiful illustration by an unknown artist, later whom I could identify as Unnati Bhilwara from Bharatpur (Rajasthan), an artist by passion. Well done Unnati!!! 

 

पाठकों की प्रतिक्रियाएं

16 जुलाई अंक में रामायण की रचना हो या महाभारत का संग्राम इसमें भी एक स्त्री की ही भूमिका तय की जाती है भले ही वासना, अहंकार या अन्य करण रहे हो वो पुरुष जैसी बने, स्त्री ही रहे, या फिर कुछ भी ना रहे, इसका फैसला भी स्त्री नहीं करेगी यह दृष्टिकोण पुरुष प्रधान समाज की जबरदस्त सोच को ही प्रदर्शित करता है कविता लेखक वर्तिकानंदा एवं मधुरिमा के प्रकाशन पर बधाई साक्षी,समीक्षा सिंघई,बाकल --------------------- कविता "स्त्री" वाकई कम शब्दों में बेहतरीन कविता लगी, वर्तमान समाज में महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण, सम्मान, सुरक्षा एवं स्वतन्त्रता की बहुत आवश्यकता है। ताकि वे भी अपने सपनों की उड़ान भर सके। कहानी " नाम" एवं "सोच की गुलामी" भी बहुत सकारात्मक एवं प्रेरणादायक लगी। -रविन्द्र नाथ जुंजालिया, सारसंडा (राजस्थान) ---------------- 16 जुलाई का मधुरिमा अंक बेहद शिक्षाप्रद लगा।"स्त्री "कविता स्त्री की अहमियत बताती है आज समाज के हर क्षेत्र में केंद्रबिंदु स्त्री पर टिका होता है। हमें समाज में स्त्री को सम्मान की दृष्टि से देखना चाहिए। शिक्षाप्रद लेखों के लिए मधुरिमा का दिल से शुक्रिया। आजाद पूरण सिंह राजावत निहालपुरा, जयपुर, राजस्थान। ---------------------- नमस्कार, आज के अंक में कहानी कौन मक्कार,कौन होशियार अच्छी लगी।जीवनशैली तय करती है सेहत रुचिकर। कविता स्त्री सच को बयान करती है। धन्यवाद मधुरिमा। -सुभाष चंद्र ---------------------- आदरणीय वर्तिका नंदा लिखित कविता "स्त्री" बहुत ही सुन्दर लगी. स्त्री पर रचित कविता एक दम प्रासंगिक है. कैलाश कपाड़िया ------------------ 16 जुलाई के अंक में ‘स्त्री’ नामक कविता दिल को छूने वाली थी। आदित्य शेखर, इंदौर, मध्यप्रदेश ------------------- 16 जुलाई को प्रकाशित वर्तिका नंदा की कविता स्त्री मन छू गई। दिनेश बारोठ ॓दिनेश ॔ शीतला कॉलोनी सरवन रतलाम ---------------------- मधुरिमा के वैसे तो हर हफ्ते के अंक में प्रकाशित लेख, लघु कहानियां सभी अच्छे और पठनिय होते हैं। लघु कथा नाम और कविता स्त्री बहुत सुन्दर रचना लगी। डा गायत्री तिवारी रतलाम मध्यप्रदेश ।

Tinka Tinka Tihar: Giving Voice to the Voiceless Behind Bars

सुबह लिखती हूँ, शाम लिखती हूँ  

इस चारदीवारी में बैठी जब से, तेरा नाम लिखती हूँ  

इन फासलों में जो ग़म की जुदाई है  

उसी को हर बार लिखती हूँ  

ये मेरे शब्द नहीं, दिल की आवाज़ है  

ख़्वाहिश ज़िंदा है जिसे हर रात सोचती हूँ  

सुबह कभी तो होगी ही  

इसी आस में जीती हूँ  

हाँ, सुबह लिखती हूँ, शाम लिखती हूँ  

इस चारदीवारी में बैठी बस, तेरा नाम लिखती हूँ.  

                                           -SEEMA RAGHUVANSHI, Inmate and poetess of Tinka Tinka Tihar 

In a world where prisons are often seen as places of punishment and silence, the Tinka Tinka Tihar initiative emerges as a powerful reminder that even behind bars, voices can rise, create, and transform. Rooted in the belief that rehabilitation is more powerful than retribution, this initiative redefines incarceration as an opportunity for self-expression, healing, and hope.

The Birth of a Movement: Origins of Tinka Tinka Tihar

Tinka Tinka Tihar began in 2013 in  Delhi Prisons, commonly called Tihar Jail. This is South Asia’s largest prison complex. It was born out of the vision and determination of Dr. Vartika Nanda, a prison reformer, academic, and journalist, who had been closely observing the psychological and social conditions of inmates, particularly women. As she engaged with prisoners, she realized that their voices, stories, and identities had been completely erased by the system. What began as a research-oriented engagement evolved into a much deeper mission: to offer prisoners a platform to reclaim their narrative. This initiative was strongly supported by Vimla Mehra (IPS),DG Delhi Prisons, 

At the time, prisons in India were largely governed by archaic rules and rigid structures. Inmates, especially women, suffered silently—cut off from society and deprived of emotional expression. It was this void that Tinka Tinka Tihar aimed to fill. This honorary initiative sought to use creative expression—poetry, art, and storytelling—as tools of healing, self-reflection, and social reintegration. Under the active support of the Tihar Jail administration, with the unrelenting commitment of Dr. Nanda, the initiative formally took shape and slowly began to evolve into a movement.

 Creativity as Reform: The Growth of Tinka Tinka Tihar

What distinguishes Tinka Tinka Tihar from other prison initiatives is its deep-rooted emphasis on inmate-led expression. The very first major output of this initiative was the book Tinka Tinka Tihar, published in 2013. It was written by women inmates and illustrated by them as well, with every poem and sketch reflecting their personal journey, pain, and aspirations. The book made history. Following this, other publications followed suit—Tinka Tinka Dasna (2015), which brought attention to Dasna Jail in Uttar Pradesh, Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh (2018), which showcased the creative work of female inmates in Madhya Pradesh and Radio in Prison (2024), a book published by National Book Trust, India is a living testimonial of the journey and impact of Tinka Jail Radio in some of the Indian jails. Each book extended the mission: to humanize prisoners and to change how society perceives incarceration.

Radio in Prison: The concept was revolutionary—providing inmates with an in-house radio service where they could listen to stories, news, poetry, and messages. Inmates were not just passive listeners—they participated as writers, speakers, and producers. This led to a wave of creative programming that enhanced emotional well-being and created a sense of connection and community among inmates.

One of the most significant milestones came in 2014 with the launch of the Tinka Tinka India Awards—an annual event that celebrates exceptional creativity and reform in prisons across the country. The awards recognize inmates, jail officers, and prison administrators who have contributed to positive change within the correctional system. Held every year on December 10, on the National Human Rights Day,  the awards have become a national symbol of prison innovation.

 From Isolation to Expression: Impact on Inmates and Society

The impact of Tinka Tinka Tihar on the inmates of Tihar Jail has been profound. For many, it has been the first time they were allowed to express themselves, to be heard without judgment. In one of the testimonials featured in a Tinka Tinka Foundation video, a woman inmate shared how writing her first poem made her feel “alive again.” Such moments are not isolated—they reflect the larger shift that occurs when prisoners are given a platform for self-expression.

Mental health, which is often overlooked in prison systems, has seen visible improvement among participants. The act of writing or speaking about their lives has helped inmates process trauma, regret, and hope. Jail staff, too, have observed reduced aggression and increased cooperation among prisoners engaged in Tinka Tinka activities.

On a societal level, the initiative has challenged long-held stigmas. By showcasing the creative and intellectual capacities of prisoners, it questions the very idea of inmates as irredeemable. The books, videos, and awards have received coverage in major media outlets and have entered academic discussions, sparking conversations about the need to rethink India’s approach to incarceration. 

 A Living Legacy: The Present and the Path Ahead

Today, Tinka Tinka Tihar continues to thrive under the Tinka Tinka Foundation. The initiative has expanded its reach beyond Delhi, influencing jail reforms in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. Several jails have now replicated the prison radio model, and the annual awards have inspired local-level recognitions in various prisons.

Current projects focus on creating more prison radios, developing workshops for inmate children, and introducing psychological counseling through storytelling. A digital museum is in the works to archive and showcase the vast collection of poems, artworks, and audio narratives that have emerged through the initiative.

However, challenges persist. Funding remains a significant hurdle, and changes in jail administration often affect continuity. Even today, Tinka Tinka Foundation (TTF) has no financial support.  There are also social barriers—public opinion about prisoners is still deeply punitive in many parts of Indian society. Yet, in the face of these hurdles, TTF has remained resilient, driven by the belief that reform is not just possible, but necessary.

 Conclusion: 

Tinka Tinka Tihar is not merely a prison program—it is a mirror held up to society, asking us to re-evaluate our assumptions about crime, punishment, and redemption. It illustrates that behind every barred window is a story waiting to be told, and that storytelling can be a profound form of justice. Through poetry, art, and sound, inmates who were once forgotten have found their place in the narrative of change.

As India continues to grapple with overcrowded prisons, outdated systems, and a rising need for reform, the Tinka Tinka initiative stands as a beacon—showing that even within confinement, the human spirit can be nurtured, reformed, and set free.

 Citations:

1.Tinka Tinka Tihar|Tihar jail|Tinka Tinka Foundation|Song written by Vartika Nanda and sung by inmates of Tihar:

https://youtu.be/SZHlOMUnYrs?si=8du-CzZDKqwBfR-N

2.Tinka Tinka Tihar special with Vartika Nanda|HUM LOG |Tihar Jail|Vartika Nanda: https://youtu.be/lGrsGC2zyHk?si=C0n8QR8qIfkYkMcj

3. A reflection of thoughts of Tihar inmates: https://youtu.be/Clg6n4Vg2-I?si=si1xgFJ5PsyILV-6

4.The magical wall of Tihar|Tinka Tinka Tihar 2013|Vartika Nanda: https://youtu.be/0k6lbFTadjY?si=LAl-NhQW9yAJuaYa

5.Tinka Tinka Tihar|All India Radio|Tinka Tinka Foundation|Vartika Nanda: https://youtu.be/E0KCJezbBwA?si=VY0aWfG_E4J-pCbS

6.Tinka Tinka Tihar|Stories through pictures|Tihar Jail|Vartika Nanda: https://youtu.be/_00Rn9S1-jY?si=5CzBToHh2obhVMDJ

7.Tinka Tinka India Awards|Year:2017|Tihar Jail|Tinka Tinka Foundation|Vartika Nanda: https://youtu.be/gCdZHFr0xyk?si=N9a8toy3Mo8MsWfk

8.Google link: Vartika Nanda – Prison Reformer & Media Educator

(Priyanka Gupta, student of Department of Journalism, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University)