National Book Trust Releases Radio in Prison, India’s First Book on Prison Radio

Radio in Prison, the first book on prison radio in India, was released by Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, NBT, Kumar Vikram, Editor in Chief, NBT, PN Pandey, DIG Prisons, Agra Range, Mehak Kasbekar, Editor in Chief and Journalist, Brut India and Dr. Vartika Nanda, author of the book and founder of Tinka Tinka Foundation at the theme pavilion at International Book Fair, New Delhi.

Published by National Book Trust, this book is written by India’s leading prison reformer and media educator Dr. Vartika Nanda. The book documents and narrates the role of radio in improving prison life for inmates. As founder of Tinka Tinka foundation, Dr. Nanda has conceptualized elected, trained the inmates and executed prison radios in District Jail, Agra, District Jail, Dehradun and the state of Haryana without any financial support.

Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of NBT emphasized in his welcome note that Radio in Prison should be read by everyone. He stated that ,in life, there are some events that are touching and that this book has successfully touched the lives of countless.

Ms Mahek Kasbekar moderated the session. She began the discussion by asking the author about the uniqueness in the concept of jail journalism introduced by Tinka in Indian prisons and its impact on incarcerated souls. Dr. Nanda gave a thoughtful insight about the birth. Growth, impact and outcome of prison radio, exceptional work done by jail inmates, especially during COVID-19, and subsequently creating a reservoir of creative wealth in Indian prisons through the use of microphone.

The Tinka Jail Radio model, jail podcasts, Tinka awards and the books on jail lives by her have contributed in documenting unknown aspects of prison life. She highlighted that jail radio has significantly contributed to decreasing depression, instances of aggression and self harm in jails because jail radio has proved powerful in giving inmates a much needed safe space and creative outlet.

PN Pandey, DIG Lucknow range assured that new prison radios would be initiated in UP Prisons soon. It is to be noted that UP Prisons have implemented some of the suggestions made by Dr. Nanda on the communication needs of women inmates and their children. This report was supported by ICSSR and was released by Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh in August 2024.

Dr. Nanda’s earlier books- Tinka Tinka Tihar, Tinka Tinka Dasna and Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh all shed light on the subject of prison reforms. These books served as a stepping stone into her recent endeavours.

A special video encompassing Tinka Jail Radio and its culmination- the book Radio in Prison, was also played. A song composed and sung by Dr Suchit Narang, a blind convict lodged in District Jail, Dehradun was the background score for the video, truly resonating with the audiences and evoking a bundle of emotions.

The discussion concluded with Dr. Vartika Nanda reflecting on how her work in prison reform has profoundly shaped her perspective, deepening her appreciation for freedom—something many often take for granted. The panel also welcomed insights from the audience, collectively expressing hope that ordinary citizens would engage with Radio in Prison, a book that seeks to illuminate the realities of life behind bars.

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