Woman Reveals What It’s Like Working Inside All-Male Tihar Jail As A Psychiatry Intern

Have you ever wondered what it’s like working inside Tihar Jail, one of India’s largest and most high-security prison complexes? Well, a psychology intern from Ghaziabad, Diya Kahali, just gave us a peek into that intense world. She recently completed a two-week internship as a psychiatry trainee at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, and trust me, it wasn’t your regular 9-to-5 experience.In a detailed post on LinkedIn, Diya opened up about what it was like being “literally just me and one female guard” in an all-male facility.

From navigating silence and suspicion to being constantly aware of her surroundings, Diya’s experience was equal parts challenging and eye-opening.“You’re hyper-visible and invisible at the same time: not quite taken seriously by inmates, sometimes overlooked by staff, and always aware of the eyes on you,” she wrote.Diya’s daily work involved talking to inmates, listening to their stories, and creating detailed reports.



But it wasn’t as simple as it sounds. The internship program is still new, so there’s no fixed structure. She had to ask a lot of questions, double-check instructions, and always put her safety first.

“The structure for interns is still new here, so don’t expect a clear roadmap. I learned quickly that you have to ask (and keep asking) for guidance, double-check every instruction, and always prioritize your safety.”From being quizzed by doctors to trying to build trust with inmates, Diya found herself constantly learning and adapting.

Representational imageOne of the biggest parts of her job was to build a rapport with inmates – something that doesn’t come easy in a prison environment. Diya learned how to hold space without crossing lines, how to use hypotheticals when inmates were hesitant, and how to stay calm in intimidating situations.“Rapport-building is EVERYTHING.

Inmates may not always open up, and sometimes you’ll be met with silence, suspicion, or even dominance. Stay cool, stay confident, and never let your guard down.”She also received unexpected support from the police heads, which helped her feel more secure, encouraged her to keep going, and made a “world of difference”.

For anyone considering interning at Tihar, Diya shared a few helpful tips:Be patient and flexible since the program is still evolving.Head to Gate No. 3 and go to the R.

M.O office for documentation.Understand that research is restricted but can be done with the right permissions.

Be mentally and emotionally prepared since it’s an intense environment.Have a look at her full post here:In a world where most internships involve coffee runs and emails, Diya’s journey inside Tihar stands out!The post Woman Reveals What It’s Like Working Inside All-Male Tihar Jail As A Psychiatry Intern appeared first on Storypick..