In a first, Ambala prison radio to have women RJs

Tribune News Service

Ambala, December 20

The prison radio, launched in February this year at the Central Jail, Ambala, will soon have six women inmates as radio jockeys (RJs). So far, only men inmates are running the shows.

Lakhbir Singh Brar, Superintendent of Central Jail, Ambala, said: “Inspired by the content and the state of happiness emerging from the jail radio, women inmates have expressed their desire to be trained as radio jockeys. We are seeing the positive impact of the prison radio on the inmates. While the radio has

been dominated by men, it is now time to open this platform for women inmates as well. In the first phase, six women inmates will join as the RJs.”

These inmates will be trained by Dr Vartika Nanda, founder of Tinka Tinka Foundation and head of the Department of Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University.

According to Brar, Prison Radio was of immense help to inmates to beat stress and depression in the absence of visitations. Besides, trials have also been started for six male RJs as well. They will be provided training through online mode.

The Superintendent said at present, the jail radio was run for three hours offering a mix of self-created content and also songs and religious music. “Aap Ki Farmaish” is the most popular programme. Legal aid awareness programmes are also being run regularly on the prison radio with the help of the District Legal Services Authority.