- Workshop on communication, empathy, and dreams sparks a journey of transformation
Bhopal: Women inmates of Central Jail Bhopal, once confined by despair, are now learning to reshape their lives with purpose and positivity. In a heartwarming one-day workshop held in the women’s ward, the prisoners expressed their emotions and aspirations through art and storytelling—leaving many in tears, not of sorrow but of pride.
Organised jointly by the Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission and the Tinka-Tinka Foundation, the workshop was themed “Reform and Personality Development through TV and Newspapers.” Through engaging sessions, participants learned essential communication skills and embraced values of self-reflection, empathy, and hope for a better future.
Stories of Inner Strength
Putlibai, 56, once illiterate, now reads newspapers, watches news, and paints. “Life was tough,” she shared emotionally. “But here I’ve discovered the power within me. In many ways, I feel freer now than before.”
Kalpana, a transgender inmate, shared, “Outside, we face discrimination. Here, I found respect and inspiration. I now dream of becoming a fashion designer.”
Sunita Bai, full of remorse, said, “I made a mistake, and I regret it deeply. But I’ve learned gardening here. When I go out, I will work hard in the fields and raise my children with dignity.”
In a powerful session, the women conveyed their inner world through drawings based on themes like “Dream in Jail,” “Celebration in Jail,” and “Radio in Jail,” bringing out a flood of raw, honest emotions.
Voices of Hope and Support
Dr. Vartika Nanda, President of the Tinka-Tinka Foundation and the driving force behind the initiative, encouraged the women with storytelling and dialogue, saying, “A woman’s true strength lies in her ability to stay strong and keep moving forward—even behind closed doors.”
Suresh Tomar, Member Secretary of the State Women’s Commission, affirmed the commitment to expanding skill development programmes across the state’s prisons.
DIG Jayshree Shri Patel, Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bhangre, and Anand Vibhag Director Praveen Gangrade were also present, expressing their support for this initiative.
This workshop wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of resilience and rebirth. In the shadows of confinement, these women are building new lives, proving that behind every locked gate, a window of hope can still open.
