‘Kissa Khaki Ka’: The audio journey

Delhi Police has made its mark in the arena of audio-digital storytelling through its one-of-a-kind podcast – Kissa Khaki Ka. This is the first time in India that a police department has launched its own podcast series. This unique podcast revolves around unheard stories of crimes, investigations, as well as anecdotes of heart and humanity by Delhi Police officials. These episodes are conceptualized, composed, and narrated by Dr. Vartika Nanda, a prominent media educator and prison reformer who is widely known for her Tinka Tinka Jail Radio initiatives. She has been making this contribution on an honorary basis. She heads the Department of Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. The media team of Delhi Police, led by Suman Nalwa (IPS) has played a crucial role in executing these podcasts with creativity. These episodes are broadcast on the social media handles of Delhi Police, with a new episode released every Sunday at 2 pm.
On 16^th January, these podcasts are completing one year.

Different kinds of stories

From featuring constable Than Singh’s school for underprivileged children near Lal Qila in its first episode to celebrating the generosity of Sandeep Shahi in distributing helmets on the roads of Delhi with his distinctive campaigning style for the cause of road safety, these podcasts throw light of various aspects of humanitarian side of policing.

Ujala Bikhertee Kiran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZV_RA71azU

In its many episodic features, the podcast has highlighted the role played by the police personnel in safeguarding the city against the coronavirus pandemic, solving crime, and reinstating the order of justice in the national capital. These stories have dynamically engaged the people of Delhi and nurtured a sense of understanding, respect, and empathy for police officials across all ranks.

Towards a New Era of Podcasting

Kissa Khaki Ka will go a long way in documenting police life and bridging the communication gap between the police and the common public. A similar feat is being achieved by Tinka Tinka Jail Radio Podcast, India’s first exclusive podcast series on prison life and reform, which is conceptualized and conceived by Tinka Tinka Foundation, founded by prison reformer Vartika Nanda. It has provided a platform for inmates and jail staff to showcase their creative talent to the outer world during their confinement.

Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoLvUj5Y1stLIo78eG11Y3g

Episode 17, Tinka Foundation Day, Sheru, and Former Inmates: https://youtu.be/aqIRNBkIpDI

Both these podcasts are bringing forth a new revolution to the world of audio-based storytelling and reinvigorating public life with unique human interest features. With their inspiring narratives laden with positivity and dynamism, these podcasts are making their presence felt among the masses and striking a new conversation in domains so far untouched, unseen and undiscussed by the mainstream public.

Episode 34, One Year of Haryana Jail Radio: https://youtu.be/7sk1GewUFks

Episode 37, Ramnavami in Kurukshetra Jail Radio: https://youtu.be/s8_ylOreiO0

The authors are final-year students of Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi.

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