Tinka Tinka Tihar: Writing from the largest prison in Asia: Tihar Jail
The poem imprinted on the outer wall of Tihar jail was celebrated in women’s jail today on the occasion of the completion of the iconic journey of Tinka Tinka Tihar. The poem written by Seema Raghuvanshi, incarcerated in Tihar, was featured in the popular book Tinka Tinka Tihar, edited by Vartika Nanda (media educator and prison reformer) and Vimla Mehra (IPS) and then DG, Delhi Prisons in 2013.
Today, after a gap of 10 years, Tinka Tinka Tihar is republished by Tinka Tinka Foundation, showcasing the literary acumen of women inmates lodged in jail number 6 of Tihar. Tinka Tinka Tihar is a long journey comprising of a book, theme song and a long wall painting on the outer walls of jails. The book was released by the Union Minister of Home Affairs at the APCCA Conference in New Delhi in 2013. This book has been translated into 6 languages and is considered to be an authentic version of prison life. The wall outside Tihar Jail is inspired by a poem composed by an inmate, Seema Raghuvanshi, published in the same book. This wall was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in 2014. The song was released by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabaha. Both the book and the song earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for their originality. A special mention of Tinka Tinka Tihar was made in Prison Statistics India in 2015.
On the completion of 10 years of this creativity, Tihar jail officers and staff came together to celebrate its success and brainstormed a future plan of taking Tinka Tinka Tihar to the next level. This book was released by Shri Sanjay Baniwal, Director General, (Prisons), Mrs. Vimla Mehra, (IPS) Retd. The then Director General of Tihar Jail Shri H.P.S. Saran, Additional Inspector General (Prisons) and Dr. Vartika Nanda in a gala event in the women’s jail of Tihar. Special attraction was an inmate, who had contributed to the book as a poet in 2013, reciting her poems to the audience. She has been incarcerated for nearly 12 years.
Jail Superintendent Krishna Sharma and her team showcased a special exhibition with innovative expressions of women inmates on the theme of Tinka Tinka Tihar depicting the 10 year journey from 2013 to 20123. Inmates also relived the experience through a play. The song- Tinka Tinka Tihar- was also sung by them. The video on the journey of “Tinka Tinka Tihar” was shown to inmates on projector and it was enjoyed by inmates.
During the program, Mrs. Vimla Mehra shared her experiences with everyone while being the Director General.
Dr. Vartika Nanda, the author of this book and compiler of poems, also shared her experiences while writing this book, its impact on inmates and the outcome She also told that till now this book has been published in 6 different languages.
Shri Sanjay Baniwal, Director General (Prisons) appreciated the efforts of Dr. Vartika Nanda for the upliftment of women prisoners and expressed his gratitude for making such a book a reality. He also stated that such efforts have the potential to bring the hidden feelings of inmates artistically to the world.
Saplings were also planted by all the distinguished guests and officers. Herbal garden was also inaugurated by Mrs. Vimla Mehra.
Special gratitude:
Vimla Mehra (IPS) Retd. Former DG, Delhi Prisons
Sanjay Beniwal (IPS) DG, Delhi Prisons
Ms. Krishna Sharma Superintendent
Ms. Raman Sharma Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Kiran Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Neetu Chugh Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Chetna Gupta Dy. Superintendent
Ms. Sonam Meena Counsellor
Ms. Manju Head Matron-913
