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)
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