Voices of Transformation at Jinda County Prison — Transcontinental Times

INDIA: In the heart of the small industrial city of Jind in Haryana, four prisoners—Jai Bhagwan, Sunil, Kuldeep and Anil—share two important traits. All lodged in the Jind District Jail, they are radio presenters for Tinka Jail Radio, a unique initiative that is changing lives within the prison walls. The Jind District Jail is one of 13 prisons in Haryana with its own radio station, a glimmer of hope in a state that has a total of 20 prisons.

The four men arrived at different times in prison, each with different educational backgrounds and no previous radio experience. Like many prisoners, they initially struggled with depression and the challenge of filling endless, empty hours. But their introduction to Tinka Jail Radio marked the beginning of an extraordinary transformation.

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The prison radio gave them a constructive way to spend their time, channeling their energy into creative endeavors. It not only provided them with meaningful activity, but also helped them gain a respectable identity in prison. Moreover, it offered a platform to showcase and hone their singing talents. In a recent episode of Tinka Jail Radio, aired on YouTube on June 10, 2024, the inmates shared how the radio station helped them make friends and find solace. The episode was aptly aired on National Friendship Day.

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“When I got to jail, the atmosphere seemed unsettling. I didn’t know anyone. Gradually, I started making friends. The introduction of Tinka Jail Radio helped me make new friends in jail,” notes Jai Bhagwan, a prisoner, radio host and singer in the episode.

For Jai Bhagwan and his fellow inmates, the prison radio has become a reliable companion and an important communication platform. It has the potential to positively impact their lives by providing a sense of connection and community.

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Kuldeep, another prisoner who joined the jail in July 2023 as a temporary remand prisoner, shared his experience, “I was not able to adjust to the new environment until I met Tinka Jail Radio. I became friends with Jai Bhagwan and many others. Now I am singing in the jail radio and I am feeling better than before.”

Launched on January 1, 2023, Jail Radio in Haryana aims to motivate inmates to learn literacy and education, develop their creative skills, reduce depression and foster a positive prison environment. The five-hour daily content on Tinka Jail Radio focuses on education, information and entertainment, creating a comprehensive and uplifting experience for its listeners.

The success of Tinka Jail Radio in Jind’s District Jail underscores the power of creative engagement and human connection. It proves that even in the most difficult circumstances, initiatives like prison radio can nurture hope and facilitate personal growth. The stories of Jai Bhagwan, Sunil, Kuldeep and Anil are testament to the transformative potential of this program, showing that with the right support, prisoners can find purpose and build meaningful lives, even behind bars.

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