INDIA: The Tinka Jail Radio in Panipat celebrated its fourth anniversary on January 16, 2025, a momentous milestone in transforming the lives of inmates through the power of communication. Launched on January 16, 2021, as Haryana’s first prison radio station, it was inaugurated by Shri Ranjit Singh, Jail Minister of Haryana; Shri Rajeev Arora (IAS), ACS, Home, Haryana; and Shri K. Selvaraj (IPS), DG Prisons, Haryana. The visionary project was conceptualized by Dr. Vartika Nanda, Founder of the Tinka Tinka Foundation, who has been a trailblazer in prison reform through innovative communication tools.
A Lifeline Behind Bars
For Mahesh and Rohit (names changed), becoming the voices of the Tinka Jail Radio has been nothing short of life-changing. Broadcasting four hours of daily programming that includes music and requested content from fellow inmates, they have become a source of comfort for over 1,500 prisoners.
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“Being on the radio has given us a purpose, a chance to connect and uplift each other,” Mahesh shared, reflecting on his journey as an RJ while serving a 20-year sentence.
For inmates struggling with stress and depression, the station has become a beacon of solace, breaking through the monotony of prison life with positivity and hope.
From Concept to Revolution
Tinka Jail Radio began with auditions in December 2020, followed by training sessions for six inmates in Panipat. Under the guidance of the Tinka Tinka Foundation, similar initiatives were launched in other Haryana jails, including Faridabad and Ambala. Today, 10 of Haryana’s 20 jails boast their own radio stations, empowering inmates through storytelling, music, and self-expression.
One such inmate, Kashish, rose to fame for his heartfelt songs written and performed during his time in Panipat Jail. Though he has been released, his melodies continue to inspire inmates, underscoring the station’s transformative power.
A Beacon of Hope During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of jail radios as a critical emotional support system. When in-person visits were suspended, the broadcasts offered inmates a voice to share their thoughts, reducing isolation and fostering mental well-being. Even in the post-pandemic era, the radio continues to champion literacy, education, and emotional resilience within the prison community.
Recognition and Impact
Dr. Nanda highlighted the far-reaching impact of jail radios in Haryana: “Over the past four years, jail radios have facilitated the creation of original music, research papers, and presentations at international conferences. These efforts will culminate in the release of Radio in Prison, a book to be launched by the National Book Trust next month. Jail radios have become a vital bridge to humanity for inmates.”
The initiative has earned widespread acclaim, with notable recognitions like the Tinka Tinka India Award. In 2022, Vishal Sharma, a warder at Panipat Jail, received accolades for his outstanding contributions to the program.
A New Era of Rehabilitation
As the Tinka Jail Radio celebrates its fourth anniversary, it symbolizes a shift in how incarceration is perceived. No longer just a punitive measure, Panipat Jail is proving that creative endeavors like radio can be powerful tools for rehabilitation, providing inmates with a platform to rediscover hope and purpose.
Through its innovative approach, the Tinka Jail Radio has established itself as a transformative force, paving the way for change not only in Haryana but also across India’s prison systems. As the network of jail radios expands, this groundbreaking initiative continues to inspire and uplift, proving that even behind bars, transformation is possible.
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