Jail no exception: Women prisoners honoured for outstanding work | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Jail no exception: Women prisoners honoured for outstanding work

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Mar 09, 2016 06:38 PM IST

In this male-dominated world, the achievements of women are often overlooked, and prisons are no exception.

In a unique endeavour, prison reform activist Vartika Nanda has launched Tinka Tinka Bandini awards to honour women prisoners in India for their exemplary work. The awards were released by Maneka Gandhi, minister, women and child development on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The 25 awardees include women aged between 25 to 83 who have been rewarded for their commendable work done inside prison . Among them is Dr Nupur Talwar, mother of murdered Noida teenager Aarushi Talwar. An inmate of Dasna Jail, Ghaziabad, Nupur has been chosen for her service as a dentist inside the prison. She has tirelessly treated a large number of inmates.

Maneka Gandhi (R) with prison reform activist Vartika Nanda releases the certificates for female jail inmates.(HT Photo)
Maneka Gandhi (R) with prison reform activist Vartika Nanda releases the certificates for female jail inmates.(HT Photo)

The oldest inmate in the list of awardees is 83-year-old Sakina Begum Mehmood. Serving life imprisonment in Nari Bandi Niketan, Lucknow, Sakina learnt the art of crochet and has been teaching the craft to other inmates. Her creations draw a large number of buyers at the annual Lucknow Mahotsav.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The youngest awardee is 25-year-old Neelam Ramchandra Gupta. Neelam was kidnapped by a dreaded dacoit of Chambal when she was a little girl. The young woman who has spent 11 years in the Nari Bandi Niketan has mastered computer skills and is also a regular organiser of cultural programmes inside the jail.

Another awardee from the same jail is Sundara, 56, who is serving life imprisonment . She has worked hard to transform a barren piece of land into a lively green space. During the 18 months of her stay, she has planted more than two dozen varieties of farm fresh, chemical free vegetables which will now be supplied to neighbouring jails as well. Harshita Mishra, superintendent, Nari Bandi Niketan, Lucknow, says that the women are elated after receiving the award, and many broke down into tears. “This is for the very first time that women inmates have been rewarded for their work. It has given them a big boost and has motivated them to do even better. In this male-dominated world, the achievements of women are often overlooked, and prisons are no exception. This act of appreciation will go a long way in making them confident,” says Mishra.

Read more: New IGNOU study centre in Dasna jail enables inmates to finish studies

Yet another inmate, 36-year-old Ramilaben Dinesh Panchal from Gujarat, has been chosen for her relentless services as a nurse.

“There are more than 18,000 women inside prisons in India. No one gets to know about their unbelievable achievements inside the prison. These awards will help instil self-respect in these women, and help them rejoin the society as enriched human beings once they are released,” says Vartika Nanda.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Shara Ashraf writes on lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty and health, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 25, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On