5th September, 2026: Teachers’ Day: Majnu ka Teela:
It was a deeply enriching learning experience to visit the Place of Safety at Majnu Ka Tila, Delhi, with Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of Delhi. The facility, which has a capacity of 206, provides a unique insight into the rehabilitation of young offenders. Interacting with the residents was truly eye-opening and offered valuable perspectives on their journeys and aspirations.
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On the occasion of Teachers Day, a visit to SAMARTH Anganwadi Hub in Burari along with Dr. Rashmi Singh Secretary WCD GNCTD, @drrashmisinghias was truly insightful. It was a pleasure to seen the effort put by Aanganwadi teachers for shaping young minds. Also learnt about the journey from Saheli Samanvay Kendra to integrated hub model where poshan, padhai, palna coexist.
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Delivered a lecture on Case Studies in Correctional Administration: International Best Practices and Reformative Models at the National Forensic Sciences University, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The session formed part of a two‑week training programme on Correctional Administration designed for prison officers from Mauritius.
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During the talk, I highlighted several reformative initiatives undertaken by the Tinka Tinka Foundation in Indian prisons, showcasing innovative practices aimed at communication needs and human dignity in the correctional settings. I also shared insights from my visit to Mauritius prisons in August 2018, undertaken during the 11th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan in Port Louis. These experiences provided a comparative perspective on correctional systems and underscored the importance of cross‑cultural dialogue in advancing prison reforms.
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My talk was primarily focussed on prison radio. Mauritius jails have not introduced this concept yet. I hope the journey of Tinka Tinka inspires them to rewrite a new chapter. Radio in Prison by NBT India and J se Jail by Prabhat Prakashan were also discussed.
Picture clicked in 2018 in Mauritius during my jail visit
17 April, 2026: Press Release
Tinka Tinka Foundation announces Tinka Jail Paathshala for
jail inmates across Indian prisons
11th April, 2021: Exactly five years ago, on this very day, my article “Salakhon Mein Rang Bharta Radio” was published in Dainik Jagran. That piece became the seed from which Tinka Jail Radio took birth in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
In its initial phase, 14 inmates were chosen to be part of this journey. What began as an experiment soon grew into a remarkable success story—one that gave voice, hope, and dignity to those behind bars.
Today, on the same date, I had the honor of presenting the successful model of Tinka Jail Radio before some of the finest judicial minds of India—respected judges from across North India.
This moment feels like a full circle, a testament to the power of ideas, persistence, and collective belief. I share these details with a deep sense of gratitude—for the opportunity, for the trust, and for the journey that continues to unfold.
11 April, 2026: Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Participated in a panel discussion on “Prison Reforms, Undertrial Justice & Human-Centric Legal Aid”. The session was chaired by Justice Sandeep Mehta. It featured Justice Arun Bansali, Chief Justice of the High Court of Allahabad, Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari (Uttarakhand), along with Gaurav Agrawal, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India. The session focused on issues relating to undertrial incarceration, humane treatment of prisoners, and institutional accountability. It emphasised a rights-based approach to legal aid, digital reforms in prison administration, and rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
This North Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing Access to Justice” was organised by The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority (UKSLSA), on 11 -12 April at Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The theme of the conference was “Justice Beyond Barriers: Rights, Rehabilitation and Reform for the most vulnerable.
Special gratitude: Shri Pradeep Mani Tripathi, Member Secretary, Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority
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Delhi Government organised Nari Utsav in Nirmal Chhaya Complex, Jail Road, Delhi on 17 March, 2026. The event was inaugurated by Smt. Rekha Gupta and was organised by Department of WCD, Government of Delhi.
Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda had a conversation with Dr. Rashmi Singh (IAS), Secretary, Women and Child Development, Government of Delhi, and Ms. Pushplata, Superintendent.
On World Storytelling Day, we celebrate the timeless art of sharing stories — tales that connect hearts, bridge divides, and give voice to those often unheard.
At Tinka Jail Radio, storytelling takes on a truly transformative role. Behind prison walls, voices find freedom through words, songs, and narratives. These stories are not just entertainment — they are windows into resilience, hope, and humanity.
Tinka Tinka Foundation (TTF) is a Public Charitable Trust, registered in 2016 in New Delhi. It is constituted to work for prison reforms by encouraging prison inmates through art, culture, literature, education and journalism, trying to join jails together through Tinka Jail Radio and several other creative pursuits.
Founded by prison reformer and media educator Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda - Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms, its objective is to foster positive change, reformation and healing in prisons. TTF aims to become a bridge between prisons and society.
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22 December, 2025: Brut: Journalist Vartika Nanda went into the narrow lanes of GB Road to understand what life looks like behind closed doors.
Several women recount being misled or betrayed by their lovers or abandoned by their families before arriving there. Many do not reveal their age, and some say they had no option but to live there to make a living.
This story focuses on their living conditions, personal accounts, and the realities behind doors that are rarely opened to the public.
President of India expressed her emotions on human rights and prison reforms. Attended the national conference.
भारत की राष्ट्रपति द्रोपदी मुर्मू ने आज मानवाधिकार दिवस पर एक सुंदर और सटीक भाषण दिया. उन्होंने सुनने का जो अवसर मिला, वो मन को संतोष से भर गया. अपने उद्बबोधन में वे बीच-बीच में अपने अनुभव पिरोती गईं. सबसे सुंदर उनका यह कहना लगा कि बड़े लोगों को कभी-कभी पीछे मुड़कर भी देखना चाहिए.
वे सहज थीं. सरल भी. लौटते हुए मन आश्वस्त हुआ. राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग को इस सफल आयोजन पर बधाई.
राष्ट्रपति के भाषण को सुनने के बाद आज फिर तिनका तिनका उम्मीद जगी कि शायद यह दुनिया अब कुछ बेहतर हो सकेगी.
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29 September, 2025
Tinka Tinka Foundation organised a workshop at the Women's Police Station on G.B. Road, Delhi, to address the ‘mental health issues of women sex workers through art and creativity’ This was achieved through a unique art and clay modeling workshop, involving 30 sex workers and 10 children. The objective of this workshop was to bring hope and help in creating a better life to one of the city's most vulnerable communities.
तिनका तिनका फ़ाउंडेशन ने दिल्ली के जी.बी. रोड स्थित महिला पुलिस चौकी पर यौनकर्मियों के मानसिक स्वास्थ्य से जुड़े मुद्दों को कला और रचनात्मकता के माध्यम से संबोधित करने के लिए एक कार्यशाला का आयोजन किया।
यह लक्ष्य 30 यौनकर्मियों और 10 बच्चों की भागीदारी वाली एक अद्वितीय कला और मिट्टी के मॉडल बनाने की कार्यशाला के ज़रिए हासिल किया गया। इस कार्यशाला का उद्देश्य शहर के सबसे कमज़ोर समुदायों में से एक के लिए आशा लाना और एक बेहतर जीवन बनाने में मदद करना था।
जब ये महिलाएं अपनी उंगलियों से रंगों को छूती हैं और मिट्टी को आकार देती हैं तो उनके चेहरे पर सालों बाद सहज खुशी नजर आती है. इस वर्कशॉप की एक और खास बात रही. यहां इन महिलाओं के साथ उनके बच्चे भी आए थे. बच्चों ने जो हुनर पेश किया, वो देखने लायक था, उम्मीद से परे था.
बच्चों ने कर दिया था कमाल
दरअसल, दिल्ली पुलिस इन बच्चों के लिए स्तंभ की तरह खड़ी है. हालिया, गर्मियों की छुट्टियों के वक्त इन बच्चों के लिए एक महीने का विशेष कैम्प आयोजित किया गया था. यहां उन्हें चिकनी मिट्टी से खिलौने बनाने का प्रशिक्षण दिया गया. अब ये बच्चे हर शाम इसी चौकी की पहली मंजिल पर आते हैं. या तो इन बच्चों को यहां प्रशिक्षण मिलता है या ये नियमित तौर पर पढ़ाई करते हैं.
आखिर कौन हैं ये महिलाएं जो अपनी पहचान छिपाकर जीती हैं?
इनमें से ज्यादातर महिलाएं गरीबी, बेरोजगारी और शिक्षा की कमी जैसी मजबूरियों के कारण यहां तक पहुंची हैं. कुछ ऐसी हैं जिन्हें धोखे से यहां लाकर बेच दिया गया. इसके बाद उनके परिवार के रास्ते हमेशा के लिए बंद हो गए. समाज और परिवार ने उन्हें कभी स्वीकार नहीं किया.
इन्हीं में से एक शिल्पा (बदला हुआ नाम) ने अपनी पीड़ा सुनाई. उसने बताया कि वह हर साल अपने घर जाती है, परिवार से मिलती है, लेकिन कभी नहीं बताती कि वह क्या काम करती है. उसने अपने घर पर बता रखा है कि वह दिल्ली में एक ट्रांसपोर्ट कंपनी में काम करती है. अपना दुख बताते हुए शिल्पा की आंख में आंसू आ जाते हैं. वह इसके लिए खुद को ही कोसती है. शिल्पा कहती है शायद पिछले जन्म में उसने कोई पाप किए होंगे जिसकी सजा वह अब भुगत रही है. शिल्पा की आंखों में घर लौटने की चाहत है. लेकिन वह बेबस और लाचार है.
उम्मीद की एक रोशनी
दिल्ली पुलिस की सब-इंस्पेक्टर किरण सेठी इन महिलाओं के लिए जिंदगी में एक रोशनी बनकर आई हैं. वह इस चौकी की इंचार्ज हैं. किरण सेठी कहती हैं, "जब से मैं यहां चौकी इंचार्ज बनी हूं, मेरा मकसद इन महिलाओं को समय-समय पर यहां बुलाकर उनके शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए कुछ प्रशिक्षण आयोजित करना है. मैं खुद भी इनके कोठों में जाकर इनकी स्थिति का जायजा लेती रहती हूं."
किरण सेठी की मेहनत के नतीजे आने भी शुरू हो गए हैं. हाल ही में उन्होंने पूनम नाम की एक सेक्स वर्कर को इस दलदल से रिहा कराया. उसे एक ई-रिक्शा भी दिलाया ताकि वह एक सम्मानजनक जिंदगी शुरू कर सके. किरण सेठी पर 'किस्सा खाकी का' एक अंक प्रसारित हो चुका है. दिल्ली पुलिस की इस स्पेशल पॉडकास्ट सीरीज का नाम 'किस्सा खाकी का' है.
जीबी रोड के बारे में जानिए
जीबी दिल्ली का एक इलाका है जिसका आधिकारिक नाम श्रद्धानंद मार्ग है. जीबी रोड को मुख्य रूप से दिल्ली में देह व्यापार के इकलौते और सबसे बड़े केंद्र के रूप में जाना जाता है. यहां करीब 1000 महिलाएं रहती हैं, जिनमें से अधिकांश अपनी पहचान छिपाकर काम करती हैं.
जीबी रोड की मिट्टी क्यों है खास?
जीबी रोड जैसी जगहों की की मिट्टी की एक अनूठी महिमा है. कहा जाता है कि दुर्गा पूजा की मूर्तियां बनाने के लिए ऐसी जगहों की मिट्टी को शुभ मानकर इस्तेमाल में लाया जाता है. इस मिट्टी की महिमा की बात तो खूब होती है, लेकिन इस जगह पर रहने वाली महिलाओं के उद्धार के लिए काम करने वाली संस्थाएं न के बराबर हैं.
यह जरूरी है कि इन महिलाओं को केवल काउंसलिंग नहीं, बल्कि किसी स्थायी समाधान के रूप में यहां से बाहर निकालने का प्रयास किया जाए. अगर सही दिशा में काम हो तो इनमें से कुई महिलाएं वापिस अपनी एक बेहतर जिंदगी में लौट सकती हैं. पुलिस और तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन का यह प्रयास भविष्य में भी जारी रहगा. आपको यह भी बता दें कि आने वाले दिनों में तिनका तिनका यहां एक और वर्कशॉप करेगा, जिसमें महिलाओं की नई टोली इसका हिस्सा बनेगी. थी हूं और रहूंगी पॉडकास्ट का अगला अंक भी यहीं की एक महिला पर आधारित रहेगा.
References:
1. Dr. Vartika Nanda’s website: https://vartikananda.com/
2.Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms’ Website: http://tinkatinka.org/
3.Dr. Vartika Nanda’s Blog: https://vartikananda.blogspot.com/
4.Podcast | GB Road, Delhi | Year 2025:Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi...। थी.हूं..रहूंगी...Ep 10 । G B Road। Sex Workers। Vartika Nanda
5. Podcast | GB Road, Delhi | Year 2024:Thee Hoon Rahungi। थी.हूं..रहूंगी...Ep 2 । Hope and Courage। GB Road, New Delhi । Vartika Nanda
6.Delhi Police Podcast Series: Kissa Khaki Ka: Kissa Khaki Ka - किस्सा खाकी का
2. ABP NEWS: 24 October, 2025: https://www.abplive.com/podcasts/samwaad/delhi-gb-road-delhi-police-new-initiative-know-details-from-dr-vartika-nanda-3033010
3. VN Ki Paathshala: 26 January, 2026: VN Ki Paathshala। GB Road। दिल्ली। Workshop। Mental Health। Kiran Sethi। Professor Vartika Nanda - YouTube
Date: 29 September, 2025: The melancholic walls of G.B. Road, where colors of hope are now blossoming: Professor Vartika Nanda
In Delhi, the nation's capital, marked by heavy traffic and a hurried pace, some stories remain hidden amidst the noise. This is the story of a part of Delhi we call G.B. Road. G.B. Road is a center for sex work where over 1,000 women live, concealing their identities. These women have no connection to an ordinary colorful life. However, change is slowly arriving here too. A ray of hope is becoming visible. In this sequence, a unique gathering was recently held on the first floor of a Women's Police Station situated amidst the narrow lanes of G.B. Road.
Healing through Art and Color
Today, 50-year-old Shilpa (name changed) has arrived on the first floor of the police station accompanied by about thirty other women. In this room, there is no fear of the police. In front of her, there are boxes of colors and clay for making shapes. These women have been asked to choose their favorite colors and create figures according to their imagination. This is not just an art workshop, but a unique initiative focusing on mental health, organized by Tinka Tinka Foundation, Shri Rajiv Goel, and Delhi Police. The aim of this workshop is to bring these women out of the dullness and pain of their lives and connect them with the world of art and creation.
Successful Workshop with the children of GB Road
When these women touch the colors with their fingers and give shape to the clay, a spontaneous happiness appears on their faces. There was another special feature of this workshop. The children of these women also came along. The skill the children displayed was remarkable, way beyond expectations.
Delhi Police stands as a pillar of support for these children. Recently, a special month-long camp was organized for them during the summer holidays, where they were taught to make toys with clay. Now, these children come to the first floor of this very police station every evening. Here, they either receive training or they engage in regular studies.
Who exactly are these women who live by concealing their identities?
Most of these women have ended up here owing to compulsions like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Some were deceived and brought here to be sold. After that, the doors to their families were permanently closed. Society and family never accepted them.
Among them, a woman, Shilpa (name changed), shared her pain. She revealed that she goes home every year and meets her family, but she never reveals to them what work she actually does. She has told her family that she works for a transport company in Delhi. As she shared her sorrow, tears welled up in Shilpa's eyes. She blames herself for her situation. Shilpa says perhaps she committed some sins in a past life, for which she is now paying the price. There is a longing to return home in Shilpa's eyes, but she is helpless and constrained.
A Ray of Hope
Sub-Inspector Kiran Sethi of the Delhi Police has become a beacon of light in the lives of these women. She is the in-charge of this police post. Kiran Sethi says, "Ever since I became the police station in-charge here, my aim has been to call these women here from time to time and organise some training for their physical and mental health. I also visit their brothels myself to assess their situation."
The results of Kiran Sethi's efforts have also started to appear. Recently, she successfully rescued a sex worker named Poonam from this quagmire. She also helped her get an e-rickshaw so that she could start a respectable life. An episode about Kiran Sethi has been aired on 'Kissa Khaki Ka'. The name of this special podcast series by the Delhi Police is 'Kissa Khaki Ka'.
Kissa Khaki Ka: Full Episode 9: Podcast Delhi Police: किस्सा खाकी का: Ujala Bikhertee Kiran - YouTube
Where is G.B. Road?
G.B. Road is an area in Delhi whose official name is Shradhanand Marg. G.B. Road is primarily known as the sole and largest center for sex work in Delhi. Around 1,000 women reside here, most of whom work while concealing their identities.
Why is the Soil of G.B. Road Special?
The soil from places like G.B. Road holds a unique significance. It is believed that the clay from such places is considered auspicious and used for making idols of Goddess Durga for Durga Puja. While the glory of this clay is much discussed, there are very few organizations working for the upliftment of the women living in this area.
Continued Efforts Towards a Better Future
It is necessary that these women are not only offered counselling but efforts are made to bring them out of this place as part of a permanent solution. If work is done in the right direction, many of these women can return to a better life. The efforts of the Police and the Tinka Tinka Foundation will continue in the future as well. Tinka Tinka will conduct another workshop here soon, in which a new batch of women will participate. The next episode of the 'Thi, Hoon, Aur Rahoongi' podcast will also be based on a woman from this very area.
References:
1. Dr. Vartika Nanda’s website: https://vartikananda.com/
2.Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms’ Website: http://tinkatinka.org/
3.Dr. Vartika Nanda’s Blog: https://vartikananda.blogspot.com/
4.Podcast | GB Road, Delhi | Year 2025:Thee. Hoon.. Rahungi...। थी.हूं..रहूंगी...Ep 10 । G B Road। Sex Workers। Vartika Nanda
5. Podcast | GB Road, Delhi | Year 2024:Thee Hoon Rahungi। थी.हूं..रहूंगी...Ep 2 । Hope and Courage। GB Road, New Delhi । Vartika Nanda
6.Delhi Police Podcast Series: Kissa Khaki Ka: Kissa Khaki Ka - किस्सा खाकी का
In Press:
2. ABP NEWS: 24 October, 2025: https://www.abplive.com/podcasts/samwaad/delhi-gb-road-delhi-police-new-initiative-know-details-from-dr-vartika-nanda-3033010
Divine Awakening Behind Bars: Karma, Crime and the Journey Within: On 13th October 2025, the program Divine Awakening Behind Bars: Karma, Crime and the Journey Within, was presented as part of the Speaking Tree Podcast- add this to wiki and to VN Profile- Full interview: Speaking Tree: Divine Awakening Behind Bars: Karma, Crime, Journey Within । Speaking Tree Podcast । Vartika Nanda - YouTube/ TINKA YOUTUBE: Vartika Nanda। Divine Awakening Behind Bars ।जेल।Tinka Tinka Foundation
What has jail to do with our karma? Can silent contributions for inmates bring inner peace?
Can silent contributions for inmates bring inner peace?
The year was 1993 when I first visited Tihar, the largest prison complex in India. Not many would know the kind of experiences I had in the last 32 years. I have kept aside my spiritual experiences from the world of academia. However, today I am sharing this heartfelt conversation that I had with Speaking Tree.
This conversation has emerged out of the long journey of Tinka Tinka resulting in publishing four books on prisons, establishing Tinka Jail Radio, Tinka Prison Research Cell and exclusive storytelling on the lives of inmates. All this work is being done on an honorary basis.
Listen to this soulful conversation with The Times of India and Speaking Tree on jail bhakti and Tinka Jail Radio:
YOUTBE LINKS:
Speaking Tree: https://youtu.be/_O0Z9lqTOHI?si=Juc_xzxgdysHx5sX
Tinka Channel: https://youtu.be/_O0Z9lqTOHI?si=XZ7KgkBypKpLAfzs
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