Beyond Bars: Woman Intern's Eye-Opening Experience in Tihar Jail's Male Unit

Tihar Jail, one of India’s most high-profile correctional facilities, is rarely seen from the inside—especially not through the lens of a psychology intern. But for Diya Kahali, a student from Ghaziabad, that changed when she spent two intense weeks embedded within its walls. Her candid reflections, shared in a LinkedIn post titled “Surviving and Thriving: My Reality as a Psychology Trainee at Tihar Prison Complex,” offered a rare, deeply personal glimpse into life as the only woman intern in an all-male unit.

From the very first day, Kahali found herself navigating a space where structure was often absent, and the rules felt like they were being written on the go. With no formal manual to lean on, she quickly learned that initiative and constant communication were key. “I had to ask, then ask again. Double-checking instructions wasn’t optional—it was essential. And when in doubt, I never hesitated to request a guard’s presence,” she wrote. Safety, she realized early on, was something she had to actively ensure.

Her day-to-day work included interviewing inmates and compiling psychological reports based on those conversations. But getting people to open up wasn’t always easy. “You’re sometimes met with silence, or worse, suspicion,” she noted. Her strategy? Staying composed and relying on hypotheticals and examples—especially for those not fluent in Hindi. “Rapport-building is everything. And never make it about you—keep things neutral but relatable.”

The emotional and psychological toll of working in such a setting wasn’t lost on her. “Being the only woman in a unit like that meant always feeling like you’re under a microscope,” she explained. “It’s strange—you’re hyper-visible and invisible all at once. Some inmates didn’t take me seriously, and some staff overlooked me entirely. But I was always aware of every gaze.” The only other woman in her section, she mentioned, was a female guard.

Despite the pressure, Kahali found solace in an unlikely source—the senior police officials. “They were kind, understanding, and far more supportive than I expected. It completely changed the experience for me. If you’re open in your communication, they’re open too. There’s even room for networking, if you’re proactive about it.”

In her advice to future interns, Kahali emphasized patience and adaptability. “The program is still evolving. There’s a lot that’s unclear, so stay flexible. If you’re looking to intern, start at Gate No. 3 for documentation. And if you want to conduct research, make sure you’ve got official permission in hand.” Most of all, she warned, be ready for a high-pressure environment where emotional resilience is as vital as academic knowledge.

As for whether it was worth it? Kahali had no doubts. “Was it tough? Absolutely. But what I learned there—the ability to think on my feet, to adapt, to connect with people beyond textbooks—that’s something no classroom could’ve ever taught me.”

Her honest and powerful account struck a chord online, gathering over 500 likes and a wave of appreciative comments. One fellow intern who had also worked at Tihar shared, “I completely relate to being the only woman in a male block—it changes your entire approach.” Others applauded her strength and clarity. “Truly inspiring. The way you handled such a challenging space is commendable,” wrote one user. Another simply summed it up: “Definitely worth reading.”

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)