NEW DELHI: The written word is the new buzzword in Tihar Jail. Mahmood Farooqui, co-director of Peepli Live, jailed for the alleged sexual harassment of a crewmember, is leading an editorial team of inmates to produce a first-of-its-kind newsletter.
It is a fortnightly publication written exclusively by hand. Published fortnightly at the country’s highest security prison, the newsletter is available in the prison library, parks and eating areas. There are 12 jails in Tihar’s 400-acre complex.
Each complex will create its own newsletter.
The titles are Tihar Karagar Samachar, Tihar Akhbar and Shakti Times. Each jail has an editorial team to vet content. In the latest issue, which was released on December 10 to coincide with International Human Rights Day, prisoners wrote about demonetisation, death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha and also came out with jokes. Director General (DG) of Tihar Jail, Sudhir Yadav envisages it as a two-way communication channel for inmates. He also writes a column. It informs inmates about the new rules and calendar of events for the prison.
“The idea was to do something different on Human Rights Day. So the DG came up with the idea and Farooqui led the initiative. Since Tihar is not just a prison but is also a reform centre we thought a newsletter would make a difference,” said a jail official. Its objective is also to inspire inmates to utilise their time creatively and productively.
The first issue has four to five pages. Increasing the number of pages is being considered. The jail authorities help the team in providing stationary and plan edit meeting times, informed Mukesh Prasad, press officer of Tihar.