RADIO IN PRISON: NEWSLETTER: 2025

RADIO IN PRISON: NEWSLETTER: 2025

This newsletter is dedicated to the book- Radio in Prison- published by National Book Trust, India in February, 2025.

 Links from the website: 

1. Radio in Prison – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms

2. Newsletters – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms

WRITING A LETTER: Self Expression: VN Ki Paathshala

 September 29, 2025: Paper: IOJ

Instructions:

Write a reflective Letter to yourself, either to the person you were 10 years ago or to the person you wish to become 10 years from now.

The letter must be personal yet thoughtful.

It can follow any tone, emotional, humorous, philosophical, poetic, or conversational.

There is no word limit, but sincerity is expected over formality.

The assignment is to be done individually.

Purpose of this activity:

In today’s session, instead of looking outward at news, headlines, or current affairs, we turned our gaze inwards. Each student was asked to step into a different timeline, either revisiting their younger self or imagining their future self, and write a letter that speaks with honesty, vulnerability, and introspection.

This exercise is not merely about writing. It is about archiving emotions, acknowledging growth, and understanding identity through words. In journalism, we often tell the stories of others today; the students have become both the storytellers and the subjects.

Through this activity, we aim to:

Encourage self-awareness and emotional clarity,

Build a stronger individual voice, essential for journalistic expression,

And most importantly, help students realise that every life holds a story worth documenting, starting with their own.

International Literature Festival at Patna: Sahitya Akademi: Unmesha: 26th September, 2025

26th September, 2025 : International Literature Festival at Patna

Asia's largest literature festival

Date: 25- 28 September, 2025

Venue: Sahitya Akademi: Festival of Expression (अभिव्यक्ति का उत्सव): Unmesha, at Samrat Ashoka Convention Centre, Patna

Vartika Nanda's session: 26 September, 2025

Hall Name: Sankaradeva

Topic: Social Media and Literature

Speakers:

Gourahari Das

R. Venkatesh

Utpal Kumar

Vartika Nanda

( Anant Vijay and Ajay Singh could not come )

Anchor: Jasleen Vohra

हॉल का नाम: शंकरदेव

विषय: सोशल मीडिया एवं साहित्य

वक्ता:

गौरहरि दास

आर. वेंकटेश

उत्पल कुमार

वर्तिका नंदा

(अजय सिंह

अनंत विजय)

Sahitya Akademi: Festival of Expression (अभिव्यक्ति का उत्सव): Unmesha in Patna: पटना के ज्ञान भवन, सम्राट अशोक कन्कलेव केंद्र में - सोशल मीडिया और साहित्य- के सत्र में भागीदारी का सुंदर अवसर मिवा. 25 से 28 सितंबर को होने वाला यह आयोजन दरअसल International Literature Festival है जिसमें दुनिया के कई देशों से लेखक और साहित्यकार आए. 

हमारे सत्र की अध्यक्षता गौरहरि दास ने की. वक्ता के रूप में उत्पल कुमार और आर वेंकटेश शामिल हुए. उद्घोषणा का जिम्मा दूरदर्शन की जानीमानी पूर्व ऐंकर जसलीन बोहरा ने निभाया.

मैेने अपनी बात का संदर्ध दूरदर्शन के दौर से शुरु करते हुए निजी मीडिया, बाजारवाद, नए प्रकाशकों की आमद और छोटे शहरों से आते प्रभावशाली लेखकों तक- कई मुद्दों को समेटा. तिनका तिनका की जेल की किताबों पर भी चर्चा कर सकी- ऐसी किताबें जिनके पास बेस्ट सैलर कहलाने के लिए प्रोयजक नहीं है लेकिन दमदार साफनियति है. 

अनंत विजय और अजय सिंह किसा कारणवश न आ सके. उनकी कमी खली. 

साहित्य अकादमी ने इस आयोजन को बहुत सुंदर तरीके से किया. सुरुचिपूर्ण और व्यवस्थित आयोजन के लिए आपके बधाई. साधुवाद

पटना में उन्मेष के बहाने साहित्य अकादमी ने देश-विदेश से साढ़े पांच सौ से ज्यादा कवियों और लेखकों का एक ऊर्जावान मंच तैयार किया है। एक खास बात ये भी है कि अभिव्यक्ति के इस उत्सव को जिस सम्राट अशोक कन्वेंशन सेंटर में आयोजित किया गया है, वहां पर बिहार की कला और संस्कृति की भी जीवंत तस्वीर देखी जा सकती है। 'उन्मेष' में 'सोशल मीडिया और साहित्य' विषय पर शुक्रवार को आयोजित सत्र में वर्तिका नंदा ने कहा कि साहित्य के लिए इंटरनेट मीडिया च्यवनप्राश की तरह है। इस मंच पर अनजाने लेखकों के लिए पन्ने बन गए हैं। इससे छोटे प्रकाशकों को बड़ी आबादी तक बात पहुंचाने का जरिया मिला है। अंगुलियां दौड़ने से छोटे शहरों से बड़े शहरों की दूरी कम हुई है। लेखकों को नया आकाश मिला है। 

वर्तिका ने कहा कि सोशल मीडिया ने यह आभास कराया है कि आप ही सबकुछ हैं। अब हर कोई लेखक, कवि, कलाकार और प्रकाशक बन गया है। जिनके पास प्रतिभा है, उनकी पूछ हर स्थान पर हो गई है। सोशल मीडिया ने सिटिजन जर्नलिस्ट पैदा किए हैं। अच्छा यह है कि प्रतिक्रिया तुरंत मिलने लगी। समस्या ये है कि एक ही दिन कई लेखकों की किताब बेस्ट सेलर हो जाती है, यह कैसे संभव है? ऐसे लोग भी बड़े लेखक बन गए हैं, जो लिखने के अलावा कुछ भी कर सकते हैं। सत्र की अध्यक्षता गौरहरि दास ने की। वक्ता के रूप में उत्पल कुमार और आर वेंकटेश शामिल हुए। उद्घोषणा का जिम्मा दूरदर्शन की जानीमानी पूर्व ऐंकर जसलीन बोहरा ने निभाया।

Panelists: 

Invitation and the schedule

In Press:

LIVE LINK: YOUTUBE SAHITYA AKAEDMY: Social Media and Literature | UNMESHA | 26 September 2025 | Patna - YouTube

YOUTUBE VN CHANNEL: Social Media & Literature।Sahitya Akademi। साहित्य ।Asia's largest literature festival। 26 Sept 2025 - YouTube

Photo Courtesy: Amit Anand, Akshay Pandey, Prabhat Ranjan and R. Venkatesh

Principles of writing news

 

The language of news writing in journalism emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and objectivity, using short, simple sentences and formal, factual vocabulary to inform the widest possible audience. Different aspects are taken into consideration while writing a news piece but the key role is played by the language of news. News is written keeping in mind different variables such as Topic, Participants, relationship and Purpose. This is what makes the news more sensible and prominent. 

24 September, 2025: Tinka Tinka Tihar completes 12 years

 12 साल का हुआ तिनका तिनका तिहाड़ आज। 2013 में आज ही के दिन देश के गृह मंत्री ने इस किताब को AAPCAA कॉन्फ्रेंस में दिल्ली के विज्ञान भवन मैं विमोचित किया था। आप सबके प्रति आभार के साथ यह वीडियो प्रस्तुत है।

Special gratitude: Vimla Mehra (IPS), DG, Delhi Prisons

Link: Tinka Tinka Tihar। जेल। 2013। Vartika Nanda & Vimla Mehra। Tinka Tinka Foundation - YouTube

VN ki Pathshaala

 

Practical Class: IOJ

 Date: 19.08.2025

Today, the class looked at written scripts that they had submitted in the previous class. They are asked to give their suggestions and mark them out of 20.

August, 2025: Visit to District Jail, Agra on the completion of 6 years of Tinka Jail Radio

Paathshala with a difference: Education and musical renditions that are transforming lives through Tinka Jail Radio

Professor Vartika Nanda

Visit to District Jail Agra

It was a moody, overcast evening when I arrived at District Jail, Agra. The entrance stood stoic and familiar—unchanged since my first visit back in 2019, its weathered facade quietly echoing the passage of time. But as I stepped inside, the stories of change through the Tinka Jail Radio made me feel more confident as well as emotional. I have come here today to witness these changes right in front of me. As someone who had conceived and executed this jail radio, this is a moment of pride, to see how the radio has flourished.

BREVITY: IOJ: 2025

(Disclaimer: This content has been compiled by the students from various sources. These notes are to be used purely for academic purposes. No copyright infringement intended. The blogger will not be responsible in any manner whatsoever, regarding the authenticity of the information included in the notes.)

DEPARTMENT: B.A. (Hons) Journalism

SEMESTER: I

PAPER: INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM

UNIT: I

Time Period: The mentioned topic was discussed in class in the fourth week of August, 2025. 

Brevity refers to the quality of being concise and to the point, particularly in writing. In the context of news writing, brevity is crucial because it allows journalists to deliver information quickly and clearly, ensuring that readers can grasp essential facts without unnecessary details. This quality is essential for capturing audience attention and maintaining engagement in fast-paced media environments. It is a highly prized attribute of communication in journalism often associated with clarity which is a major goal in communications. It is the quality or state of being brief in duration. When applied to writing, it means using as few words as possible to communicate a message or idea. This can be done through the use of short sentences, active voice, and specific language. 

         However, brevity does not mean sacrificing quality or accuracy. A journalist must still be able to tell a story and provide context in a limited amount of space. But with practice, it is possible to communicate effectively without being wordy. Thus, brevity should be proportional, neither leaving out anything necessary nor including more than is needed.

Importance of Brevity:

Brevity enhances the effectiveness of hard news writing by allowing journalists to present key information quickly and clearly. In a world where readers often skim content, concise writing ensures that essential facts are communicated without unnecessary details. This helps maintain reader engagement and ensures that the most important points are highlighted right from the start.

Journalists use various techniques to maintain brevity while conveying important details, such as employing the inverted pyramid structure, which places the most crucial information at the beginning of the article. They also focus on using active voice, short sentences, and eliminating jargon or filler words that do not contribute to the message. These strategies help create a tight narrative that delivers essential information efficiently.

In today's digital news landscape, brevity significantly impacts reader comprehension by catering to shorter attention spans and fast-paced consumption habits. Readers are more likely to engage with articles that get straight to the point and present information succinctly. This trend emphasizes the need for journalists to hone their skills in concise writing, ensuring that critical information is easily digestible while maintaining clarity and impact.

Simplifying Complex Ideas

Simplifying complex ideas is a crucial aspect of concise writing in journalism. To achieve this, journalists can employ several techniques:

Identify the key elements of the story and focus on those: By distilling the story down to its essential elements, journalists can avoid unnecessary tangents and keep the narrative focused. This involves identifying the main theme, key players, and critical events that drive the story forward.

Use analogies and metaphors to explain complex concepts: Analogies and metaphors are powerful tools for making complex ideas more relatable and accessible to a wider audience. By drawing parallels between unfamiliar concepts and everyday experiences, journalists can create a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Avoid using technical jargon or overly complex terminology: Using technical jargon or overly complex terminology can alienate readers who are not familiar with the subject matter. Journalists should strive to use clear and concise language that is free from technical terms unless they are essential to the story.

Using Language Effectively

Using language effectively is critical to concise writing in journalism. To achieve this, journalists can employ several techniques:

Use active and descriptive verbs to bring the story to life: Verbs are the engines of language, and using active and descriptive verbs can add depth, nuance, and emotion to a story. This helps to create a more immersive experience for the reader.

Use concise and clear language to convey the message: Clear and concise language is essential for effective communication. Journalists should avoid using ambiguous or vague terms that can confuse or mislead readers.

Avoid using clichés and overused phrases: Clichés and overused phrases can make a story feel stale and unoriginal. Journalists should strive to use fresh and innovative language to convey their message.

Challenges of Brevity in Journalism

While brevity is essential in journalism, it also presents several challenges. Journalists must balance the need for conciseness with the need to provide sufficient context and detail. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with complex or nuanced topics.

To overcome these challenges, journalists can employ several strategies, including:

Conducting thorough research to gain a deep understanding of the subject matter

Creating an outline to organize the story and ensure clarity

Using clear and concise language to convey complex ideas

Conclusion:

Brevity in journalism is a crucial aspect of effective news reporting. By focusing on clear, concise writing, journalists can deliver the most important information to their readers in a straightforward, easily and digestible manner. Brevity in journalism allows readers to quickly grasp the essence of a story, and stay informed about the world around them.

Links for notes on Brevity from the year: Year 2023

https://vartikananda.blogspot.com/2023/02/attribution-brevity-on-record-off-record.html 

6 September, 2025: IIM, INDORE: Speaker: हिन्दी पत्रकारिता- चुनौतियां और अवसर

Moderation: Professor Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM, Indore

Panelists:  Nitishwar Kumar, IAS (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, Government of India), Jai Prakash Pandey ( Journalist, Sahitya Tak, India Today Group) and Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda.

इस चर्चा में भारत सरकार के एडीशनल सेक्रेटरी श्री नीतीश्वर कुमार, टीवी टुडे/इंडिया टुडे ग्रुप के संपादक श्री जयप्रकाश पांडेय और दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय के लेडी श्री राम कॉलेज की प्रो. वर्तिका नंदा ने विचार साझा किए। चर्चा में यह भी सामने आया कि किस प्रकार सोशल मीडिया ने हिंदी को नई ऊर्जा दी है और वैश्विक मंचों तक पहुँचाने का माध्यम बना है। भाषा की गरिमा बनाए रखते हुए उसे सरल और प्रभावी ढंग से प्रस्तुत करना आज की सबसे बड़ी आवश्यकता है। पूरे संवाद का अनुभव अत्यंत प्रेरणादायक और उत्साहवर्धक रहा, जिसने हिंदी पत्रकारिता के भविष्य को लेकर आशा और विश्वास दोनों को मजबूत किया।

यह कार्यक्रम आईआईएम इंदौर में हिंदी भाषा के गौरव और उसके प्रसार के प्रति हमारी प्रतिबद्धता को दर्शाता है। हम सभी भारतीय भाषाओं को संरक्षित और प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए समर्पित हैं।

x

Press clipings IIM Indore,

Link: Vartika Nanda at IIM, Indore। 2025।इंदौर। भारतीय प्रबंधन संस्थान हिन्दी - YouTube

RADIO IN PRISON: NBT India: Celebrities with the book

 RADIO IN PRISON: CELEBRITIES HOLDING THE BOOK

Dr. Jitender Singh, Union Minister of State (independent in-charge) for Science and Technology, browsing at RADIO IN PRISON at book national fair 2025.

Shri. Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir holding RADIO IN PRISON in hands with shri. Yuvraj Malik, director, NBT, India at international book fair, 7th February 2025

3rd September, 2025: Aaj Tak

Shweta Singh holding RADIO IN PRISON,

3rd September, 2025: Aaj Tak

Shams Tahir Khan holding RADIO IN PRISON,

4th September, 2025

Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chariman, NDMC holding radio in prison

19 September, 2025: It was an honor to present my book, "Radio in Prison" (published by NBT India), to Satish Golcha (IPS), the Commissioner of Delhi Police. This is a singular achievement: the ONLY book in India to date that comprehensively traces the journey, impact, and growth of radio in prisons - capturing how Tinka Jail Radios are becoming lifeline for inmates. This moment is a source of immense pride for the Tinka Tinka Foundation, which is also credited with introducing Journalism in Indian prisons. This work is truly a step forward in giving a voice to the voiceless. My role as the storyteller for the Delhi Police's exclusive podcast series, Kissa Khaki Ka, has deeply enriched this mission, adding layers of experience from crime reporting to prison reforms as we approach the monumental milestone of 200 episodes.

2 March: Chandigarh: A special interaction was planned at The Tribune office in Chandigarh. Vartika Nanda was welcomed by the Editor, Dainik Tribune, Naresh Kaushal.  The interaction was attended by the entire senior staff of Dainik Tribune. Talk began with references of several interviews of Vartika Nanda published in the paper between 1987 to 1993 and her getting the FIRST prize in the story competition organized by Dainik Tribune and Himachal Pradesh Government in 1992.

5 March, 2026: Panchkula: A copy of Radio in Prison was presented to Shri Alok Mittal, DG Prisons, Haryana in his office in Panchkula