Capacity building project on

Testimonial Therapy for Human

Rights Organizations in India
Quarter Progress Report
(1 October, 09 – 31st December, 09)
st

Group picture of honor ceremony in Manipur

Funded by
Rehabilitation and Research Center for Torture
Victims (RCT),
Denmark

Implemented by
Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
(PVCHR),
Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN)

@
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi -221002
Website – www.pvchr.org, blogspot – www.pvchr.blogspot.com
Email: pvchr.india@gmail.com, pvchr@pvchr.org
Organization People’s Vigilance Committee on
Human Rights (PVCHR)/Jan Mitra
Nyas (JMN)
2. Project Title Capacity building project on
testimonial therapy for Human
Rights Organizations in India
(hereinafter “the project”)
3. Name of the District and Varanasi district, India
Country where project is
implemented
4. Project duration: 01/07/09
Start (day/month/year)

Completion 31/12/09
(day/month/year)
according to the
application
5. Reporting period

This reporting period 1/10/09 -31/12/09

Next reporting period N.A

Summary of status describe especially problem encountered

during project implementation, including proposal for changes
and reason for changes in time schedule, outputs and budget

No problem

12. Assessment of overall progress

The overall progress of the project is according to the planned and

activities frame out in project proposal. Detailed report of the
program is attached as annexure and other related to the
activities is annexed such as News Paper clipping, letters, and
petition and greetings cards.

ACTIVITIES AS PRESCRIBD IN THE PROJECT:

  Capacity building workshop on writing skill (English)
 New testimonies
 Follow up of survivors
 Meta Legal, legal processing and medical support to the survivor
 Two honor ceremonies.
 Publication of Manual in local Manipurian language.

ANNEXURE: I

PSYCHO-SOCIAL & LEGAL SUPPORT TO THE

SURVIVORS OF TOV
1. INNOVATION AS COMMUNITY HEALING THROUGH
TESTIMONY TO INDIVIDUAL SURVIVOR

a). BAZARDIHA POLICE FIRING:

PVCHR has immediately intervened in the Bazardiha police firing case

happened on 11th March, 09 i.e. on the day of Hindu festival Holi and
filed petition to appropriate authorities such as State Government,
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) & Election Commissioner
of India with genuine demands to lodge FIR, medical treatment to the
injured, security and compensation. Due to PVCHR intervention after
few hours of intervention India Today, a leading magazine published “1
killed in Holi violence in UP”* on its online edition. Times of India, Varanasi
edition highlighted “what is bigger tragedy: Cash or Penury”. **
After three days of incidence on 13th March, 09 FIR lodge against
involved police official and people under crime no. 122A/09 in Bhelupur
police station.
The further consequence started after visit of three participants on the
second day of Capacity Building on Writing Skill Workshop to Bazardiha
and interview with survivors and discuss with the community leader
and gather information for the wall news paper “Awaz –E –
Bazardiha” (voice of Bazardiha). ***

After interviewing Abdul Rahman, a survivor of Bazardiha police firing

than group moved to Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad house, whose 22 year old
son Mohd. Moin died due to the police firing. After taking quick
testimony of Mukhtar Ahmad, they saw his daughter Naziya Tabbasum
was busy in stitching small clothes. Interviewer asked her, are you
stitching cloths for your doll? She says, “no but for the practical
assignment, I am studying in class VII in Jai Narayen Inter college”.

*http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/32039/LATEST
%20NEWS/1+killed+in+Holi+violence+in+UP.html
**http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Varanasi/What-is-bigger-tragedy-
Clash-or-penury/articleshow/4264429.cms
***http://www.mynews.in/News/Police_savagery_on_Muslim_weavers_c
ontinues_in_Varanasi__N29517.html
****http://www.mynews.in/Tool_for_communication_to_amplify_the_voi
ce_of_the_excluded_community_N29003.html

Mukhtar Ahmad proudly added, “I will teach my daughter up to my

strength.” Hearing the energetic statement of Mr. Mukhtar Interviewer
slowly tried to pause and tried to know his view of about educating his
son. He simply answered they are getting education in Bal Shramik
School, a non-formal school for child labour nearby to his house. After
the contribution of entire family Mukhtar hardly save 40 Rupees in a
month to pay his daughter tution fees. Mukhtar is living in a rented
house and took 55,000 (Fifty thousand) Rupees debt for the legal
proceeding of his son case.

Soon after the completion of workshop Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad* and Mr.
Salim** were given psychological support through testimonial therapy.
Their testimonies were uploaded on youtube for the advocacy and it
was viewed by hundred of peoples’. As the next step of the intensive
work PVCHR appoints a consultant for monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
of condition of Muslim minority in general and implementation of Prime
Minister 15 Points for Welfare of Minorities in Bazardiha. The finding of
the M&E shared at “Peoples’ Tribunal on situation of Muslim
minority” organized by PVCHR on 18th November, 09 at Paradkar
Smriti Bhawan, Varanasi.

Dr. Syeda Hameed, Member of Planning Commission, Government of

India chaired the tribunal and other jury members were Muniza Rafiq
Khan, Registrar, Gandhi Vidya Sansthan, Dr. Mohan Lal Panda, Mr.
Kamlesh Chandra, Education Resource Centre (ERS) and Mr. R.B Pal,
General Secretary, Voice of People (VOP).

Once the testimony read the sign of grief was noticed on the face of
the people present in the hall. When Dr. Syeda Hameed honored Mr.
Salim hold tears in his eyes and Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad was feeling proud
from inside. Eight other injured survivors of police firing as well as
other secondary survivors were also present in the hall. We observed
and witness the collective healing process at high profile honor
ceremony in the form of Peoples’ tribunal. Even the honor ceremony
report “Varanasi police firing victim family honored at people’s
tribunal” published in USA based portal TwoCircles.net (TCN) ***

*Mr. Mukhtar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDkoZA63K5E

 **Mr. Salim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A0pcrw0rxM

***http://twocircles.net/2009nov21/varanasi_police_firing_victim_family
_honored_people_s_tribunal.html (TCN is based in Cambridge USA and
cover news from marginalized sections of India. Its main focus is on
Indian Muslims but also covering and reporting whole range of issues
affecting Indians, Muslims and International issues.)

Dr. Syeda Hameed delivering testimony to Mr. Salim Ahmad.

As a next step, Mr. Dilshad Ahmad, Mr. Badru Hasan, Mr. Kausar Ali,
Mr. Shamsher Ali, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad and Ms. Hasibun Nisha of
Bazardeeha were awarded with “Jan Mitra” (Peoples’ Friendly) Award
for educating their children in the nastiest economic condition without
any implementation of any Government Scheme and facing such as
police firing and organized violence through communal fascism of
Hindu fascist forces. It is innovative way for boosting the moral through
honor of a community facing organized violence.*

The Survivors also actively participated in the follow up visit of Dr.

Syeda Hameed to Bazardeeha on 19 November, 09, which shows the
community healing process and empowerment of participatory and
inclusive democracy at grass root level. Instantly PVCHR released
statement “the Mockery of State Government of Uttar Pradesh
in the case of police firing on Muslims. **
 *http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/12/jan-mitra-award-to-
muslim-weavers-of.html

*http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/4811290-jan-mitra-
award-to-the-muslim-weavers-of-bazardiha

**http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/11/mockery-of-state-
government-of-uttar.html

PVCHR advocate for the implementation of section D of Prime

Minister’s New 15 Points program for Welfare of Minorities”
and wrote letter to appropriate authority such as the Prime Minister of
India, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, Rahul Gandhi,
M.P & Secretary, Congress I, Mohamed Shafi Qureshi, Chairperson,
National Commission for Minorities, Mr. Salman Khursid Minister of
State (Independent Charge) for Minority Affairs and Ms. Mayawati,
Chief Minister Uttar Pradesh*. The section D consists of three
parts:-
(i) Prevention of communal incidents,
(ii) Prosecution for communal offences and
(iii) Rehabilitation of victims of communal riots

Again petition was sent to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the
disbursement of compensation to the survivor of Bazardiha police
firing. District Magistrate benefited only one deceased family with the
compensation of 25,000 Rupees. Right to Information, Act (RTI) used to
know the status of disbursement of compensation to another deceased
family. Legal support is given for the further proceeding of case in
District Court.

When on 21st December, 09 PVCHR staff with other trained therapist of

the pilot project went to Bazardiha to provide psychological support of
other two survivors Abdul Rahman and Mr. Vasim Akram. Mr. Salim
briefs them about the benefit of the testimonial therapy.

While taking the testimony therapists noticed survivors were bread

earner and unable to continue their medical treatment due to worst
economic condition. On the recommendation of the therapists these
two survivors were medically supported and were diagnosed in Al –
Noor Trauma Clinic by Dr. Shakil Ahmad. Who referred Abdul Rahman
to Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University for further
treatment.** PVCHR also initiate for the economic stability of the
survivors and release appeal to purchase the handloom clothes for the
support.*** Even daily Hindi newspaper published still the injury of
Bazardiha incidence are unfilled (based on the testimonies).
 On 18th December, 09 Mr. Ali Anwar Ansari, Member of Parliament
(Rajya Sabha), Chief Whip of Janta Dal (U) political party raised
question in the zero hours about issue the Bazardiha police firing
alleging both State and Central Government and demand for the
compensation to the deceased family. Mr. P. Chitambaram Minister of
Home Affair and Mr. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State (Independent
Charge) Minister of Minority Affair took the cognizance on the
petition****.

*http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/11/regarding-implementation-of-
section-d_23.html
**http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2010/01/unfilled-injury-of-
bazardiha-police.html
***http://varanasi-weaver.blogspot.com/2010/01/these-pictures-were-
sent-with-picasa.html
****http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2010/01/cognizance-taken-by-
minister-of-home.html

b). POLICE TORTURE RESULT HUNGER DEATH OF 18

CHILDREN’S

On 21st October, 09 visited Ghaisa’s ghetto of Raup village with interns

associated with Leapnow. During our visit we interact with Babunder
Ghasia and tried to know about his present situation as a followup of
testimonial therapy. Babundar with full confidence stated now he goes
out to work without any fear and normally living his life with his family
members.

Meanwhile Mr. Phool Chand enlightens us with his self suffering. As,
when he showed his inability to satiate the carnal desire of police
officer. They thrashed him so hard which result fracture in his
hand and even then also Mr. Phool Chand is unable to do the
work.

Not only Phool Chand but the entire group of over 55 families has to
face ire of the police. The worst impact of the police action was the
death of the 18 children in the short period due to starvation. As after
the police atrocities no person of that group was in position to do any
work for a livelihood. Still the ire of the police has left black mark in the
life of many ghasia’s. After hearing his self suffering the two trained
therapists on testimonial therapy from Sonbhadra were asked to take
his testimony.

Now the Ghasia’s community are fearlessly living their life and
constantly participating in the protest. Soon after the incidence
 due to continuous advocacy and intervention of National Human
Rights Commission and Supreme Court Commissioner on Right to
Food and the support, the Ghaisa’s are empowered and erect
protest monument and pledged at martyrs’ monument that in
future this incidence will not occur. They were seemingly trying to
convert this agony into their strength by struggle for their better
life by singing.

In the pilot phase Babunder Ghasia was psychologically supported

through testimonial therapy. However fifteen survivors were
honored in two honor ceremonies organized in front of the protest
monument as the community healing. First time District
Magistrate of Sonbhadra visited Ghasia’s ghetto and inaugurate
the community centre and school.

Recently PVCHR released an open letter to provide basic amenities

to preserve the culturally enrich people and develop Raup as
sanskriti gaon (Cultural Village) to preserve the culture.* The
letter was sent to appropriate authorities such as Prime Minister of
India, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr.
Rahul Gandhi, M.P & Secretary Congress I, Ms. Mayawati, Chief
Minister, District Magistrate and Commissioner of Mirzapur Division.

*http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/12/open-letter-to-provide-basic-
amenities_04.html

*http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Ghasia-tribe-live-in-
acute-misery/articleshow/5353506.cms
 TESTIMONIAL THERAPY GIVEN TO THE SURVIVORS OF TOVAPART FROM
WORKSHOP

S. Name Address Age Educati Religion U.C B.C Sc/S Male Femal Occupati P.V S.V
n on I II t e on IV V
o III
1 Mukhtar Bazardiha 49 Illiterate Muslim X X Weaver X
Ahmad
2 Salim Bazardiha 42 Illiterate Muslim X X weaver X
3 Wasim Bazardiha 24 Illiterate Muslim X X unemploy X
Akhtar ed
4 Harkali Ambedkar 42 Illiterate Hindu X X Landless X
Nager labour
5 Phool Sonbhadra 27 Illiterate Hindu X X unemploy X
Chand ed
6 Abdul Bazardiha 24 Illiterate Muslim X X Unemploy X
Rahman ed
7 Neetu Chandauli 38 Intermed Hindu X X House X
Mishra iate wife
8 Mahatim Jaunpur 42 Illiterate Hindu X X Landless X
labour
Total 4 Muslim 1 4 3 7 1 6 2
4 Hindu

Abbreviations:
I. U.C: Upper Caste
II. B.C: Backward Caste
III. Sc/St: Schedule Caste/Schedule tribe
IV. P.V: Primary Victim
V. S.V: Secondary Victim
 2. ADVOCACY & CAMPAIGN

1. INTIATIVE IN MANIPUR

a). HONOR CEREMONY

Wide Angle, Manipur in joint collaboration with People’s Vigilance Committee

on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi and Rehabilitation and Research Center
for Torture Victims (RCT), Denmark organized honor ceremony at Manipur
Dramatic Union (MDU), Yaishul, Imphal on the 28th of December 2009.

The program started at 11.30 a.m with the function been graced by Mr.
Yambem Laba, former chairman in charge - Manipur State Human Rights
Commission as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi- recipient of
Gwangju Human Rights award as the Guest of honor of the function
respectively. Mr. Montu Ahamthem, Secretary Wide Angle and Mr. R.K. Bobi
Chand – Consultant - Conflict Transformation and Peace building.

Mr. K. Pradip moderate the program and proceed with the Mr. Montu Ahanthem
key notes that “Torture” is not new in the state of Manipur and the people of
this state has been experiencing it in all form from both the state or non state
actors and that people have created a mindset that these tortures is an
inherited property, which is the very reason everyone remain silent instead of
raising their voices against these human rights violation.

In order to reduce the trauma and psychological problems of the victims of

torture there is need to find a solution, I along with Lenin Raghuvanshi who has
been already working for torture victims (PVCHR) shared to start a healing
process in Manipur for the survivor of torture. We are looking at the
Testimonial Therapy as one of the healing process and have been building a
long term plan to address this issue by building up a collective people’s
movement against these tortures. We have already started giving trainings on
testimony therapy to fifteen people and also started noting to apply it on
tortured victims.
Mr. Surchandra Sharma – Counselor -Social Welfare Department (Family
Counseling Center Imphal East Police) shared the experience of the workshop
on the testimonial therapy (TOT) for the clear to the audience present in the
hall.

*http://picasaweb.google.com/sshirinkhan/HonorCeremonyTogetherWithWideA
nglePVCHRRCT?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWgtOqR8uO3iQE#

*http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2010/01/paper-clipping.html

12 | P a g e
The testimony read by the Community Worker and it was an emotional
moment to all the people present in the hall specially the survivor whose
testimonies were read out. The survivors were attentively hearing the
testimony of each other and sign of relief was noticed on their face. The
testimony was delivered and survivors were honored with the traditional
handloom scarf. The social activist stated many survivors of TOV earlier gave
their testimonies through protest, demonstration, drama’s but first time being
honored. The survivors were showing the testimony to their near and dear
ones.

Testimonial therapy briefed by the participants of TOT

Mr. Bobichand, guest speaker shared the importance on his joining the honor
ceremony. The people are facing all forms of tortures for decades, whether it is
big or small. We need to address this problem collectively and there is a need
to influence the key persons for solving the problem. The main thing is to find
the root cause why we are facing such kind of tortures whether it is the
organized violence and torture. As we know that everywhere around the globe
violence will arise when human needs are not fulfilled. The violence faced by
the people of Manipur is the manifestation of conflict as Manipur is an armed
conflict area. I think it is the right time that Wide Angle in collaboration with
PVCHR & RCT has taken up such initiative to tackle the problems through
testimony therapy. Lastly he concluded that there is need to understand the
situation at each and every individual level.

13 | P a g e
Yambem Laba, the Chief Guest of the function highlighted the need to set up
of a collective forum of torture victims to face the various incidents of torture
committed by the government forces and the rebels, and also to cope with the
ever rising number of torture survivors in Manipur. He also said that violence
occurs everywhere in the world, but the kind of violence that occurs in Manipur
is complicated. The government has declares on the floor of the Assembly that
killing is necessary. The insurgents also lob bombs if their demanded money is
not paid. He further said that it is important to expose the tortures meted out
by the government and also the rebels.

In these circumstances, it has become necessary to set up a society for torture

survivors for the unity of the survivors and also to prevent torture. He also
opined that depriving rights of an uneducated man is easy but is difficult with
an educated man; therefore, education is very important. He stated further
that survivors of torture and families whose near and dear one are killed under
dubious circumstances should take the help of the judicial system in order to
get justice. Torture survivors should not remain silent, they should approach
the proper authorities to get their due judgment and guilty party will be
punished accordingly. The excesses by security forces under the Armed Forces
Special Power Act 1958, saying that the law keepers have a free reign to kill or
torture anyone at will. The Act is a main obstacle in bringing a peaceful
atmosphere in the state, he added.

Lenin Raghuvanshi expressed profound sadness on realizing that mainland

India has been continuously committing acts of torture on the people of north
east, especially Manipur since 1949. He also said that in mainland India also
the Dalits are being looked down ill-treated and discriminated by the upper
castes and communities. Spoke about the situation of Manipur and North –East
and emphasized on scope of Testimonial therapy.

Program ended with the vote of Thanks and was covered both by Print and
electronic media. ISTV and Door Darshan North East telecasted the
news.*

* http://www.evaranasi.com/news/torture-meet-calls-afspa-repeal

*http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/fullstory.php?newsid=7255

*http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=7025
*http://picasaweb.google.com/sshirinkhan/HonorCeremonyTogetherWithWideA
nglePVCHRRCT?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWgtOqR8uO3iQE#

14 | P a g e
 B). Note on the Manual “Giving Voice”

A note from Yambem Laba, Former Chairman Incharge –Manipur Human

Rights Commission on the Manual “Giving Voice” for Community Worker
and Human Rights Defender in Manipur India.

I am delighted to Know that the Wide Angle along with PVCHR & RCT is bringing
out a Manual for Community Workers and Human Rights Defenders in Manipur,
India Using Testimony as a Brief Therapy Intervention in Psychosocial Community
Work for Survivors of Torture and Organized Violence.

I am convinced that such a manual will go a long way in mitigating Torture and
organized violence in a State like Manipur which has been a conflict zone for
nearly 50 years now, beginning from the days of Naga Insurgency under the
leadership of the late Zapu Angami Phizo. The response of the Indian State to the
challenge of Phizo has also been equally devastating- they introduced the
draconian Armed Forces Special Powers (Assam-Manipur) Act 1958-parctically
giving soldiers from the rank of havildars and above the right to shoot to kill with
practically no questions asked. 50 years later the number of armed insurgent
groups operating in the Northeast has risen from the one in 1958 to about 50 in
2008.

The character of the armed struggle has also changed in the meantime from pure
insurgency to quasi terrorism. In the midst of all these the plight of the people
caught in the conflict zone began to increase many fold. Often the victims are left
wondering as to whether the torture meted out to them is a fait accompli for
which nothing could be done against.By encouraging the victims to speak out not
only verbally but through testimonies will go a long way in providing redressal to
their grievances and also to influence the political process to take note and
introduce due legislature to end such blatant violation of human rights and would
also deter the non- state actors from indulging in such violation too.

I wish the Wide Angle, PVCHR & RCT all success in their future endeavors.

c). INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, i.e. 10th DECEMBER:

15 | P a g e
On the eve of the International Human Rights Day PVCHR launched SMS &
signature campaign and released online appeal addressing to H.E President of
India to empower and to built pro-people, pro-victim human rights institution of
India and also published petition and post it to bunch*. Article published on Asia
News “Human rights violated by extremism as well as religious and social
discrimination”**. Times of India published column Human Rights day special
highlighting “Bonded Labour Shames Human Rights Day.”***
*http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/12/appeal-on-human-rights-day-to-
empower.html
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24609227/Petition
*http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pvchr/
**http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=17085&size=A
***http://www.scribd.com/doc/23920562/Times-of-India
d.) ADVOCACY FOR THE REPEAL OF ARMED FORCES SPECIAL POWERS
ACT (AFSPA)

PVCHR sent open letter to the Prime Minister of India and Member of
Parliament of India* that Government of India has been actively considering
amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). In this regard,
the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Amendment Bill 2009 has been listed for
discussion during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament. Pertinently the
proposed amendments have not been placed in the public domain for a
discussion on the same.

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) jointly with Wide

Angle, Manipur member of National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT)
urged that AFSPA should be repealed in totality and no part of it should be
inserted in any other legislation of the country. Forum – Asia, Bangkok on its
website shared our petition INDIA - Give more power to armed forces?
Abolish Armed Forces Powers Act!**

*http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/12/open-letter-to-prime-minister-of-india.html
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24609227/Petition
http://groups.google.com/group/518solidarity/browse_thread/thread/9965a90af
5c4f99f?pli=1
o http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/fullstory.php?newsid=6698
**http://www.forum-asia.org/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=2420&Itemid=49

e). The video –footage of the police ire on Dr. Amardeep & Ratandeep Gupta
shared by Tamil ETV on http://tamiletv.com/play.php?vid=900 viewed by 23
people.

f). Dudnath Pal discharged with the case of the Gunda Control Act

16 | P a g e
h). PVCHR celebrates 2010 as psychological support to survivors of Torture
and Organized Violence and sent greetings cards to various authorities and
diplomats.

i). Followup of eight survivors of TOV.

j). Thirteen homeless families of Dharkar Basti received the houses under
Kansiram Ji Shahri Samgra Vikas Yojna after our continuous advocacy from
local to global at UN level through quick testimony, testimonial therapy, honor
ceremony, urgent appeal and local political pressure through wall newspaper
”Dakhin Tola Times” . Please visit
http://www.youtube.com/user/pvchrindia#p/u/7/jzGZoRQbhbk
http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2008/3106/

META –LEGAL INTERVENTION ON TESTIMONY OF SURVIVORS

OF TOV

S. Name of Intervention & Impact

no Survivors
1 Harish Chandra  National Commission of Schedule Caste
Sonkar (Govt. of India)
 Senior Superintendent of Police Varanasi-
U.P.
 National Human Rights Commission, New
Delhi & Additional
 Director General of Police, Lucknow.

o Relative police station incharge

faced punishment as transfer.
2 Sitalu *  National Human Rights Commission, New
Delhi.

o Release certification of bonded

labour by Additional District
Magistrate (Court).

o Rehabilitation Package
(Rs.20000/-) of bonded labour
announced by Labour
Commissioner Office, Varanasi

17 | P a g e
3 Suresh(Munna) *  National Human Rights Commission, New
Delhi,

o Release certification of bonded

labour by Additional District
Magistrate (Court).

o Rehabilitation
Package(Rs.20000/-) of bonded
labour announced by Labour
Commissioner Office, Varanasi

4 Ramlal *  National Human Rights Commission, New

Delhi,
 Senior Superintendent of Police, Mirzapur -
U.P. &
 ADGP, Lucknow
 Advocacy on the report submitted by the
Superintendent of Police, Mirzapur and
sent report to National Human Rights
Commission.
 RTI* to Superintendent of Police, Police
Inspector & National Human Rights
Commission.

(4) Article published in daily English

newspaper “Police role in custodial
torture under cloud” and Therapeutic
approach to help torture victims.

5 Shobhnath Yadav  National Human Rights Commission,New

Delhi.
 H.E President's Secretariat (Public
Section),
 Secretary to the Govt. of India (Ministry of
Railways), New Delhi.
 Ministry of Railway (Govt. of India), New
Delhi.
o Enquiry by Directorates Office
(Railway Protection Force,
Mumbai.
o Regular advocacy by survivors.
6 Manara Devi *  Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

18 | P a g e
7 Karaina *  Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

8 Dalsingar*  Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

9 Neetu Mishra  National Commission for Women, New

Delhi,
 Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh,
 District Magistrate, Chandauli district,
 H.E. President of India.
 Superintendent of Police, Chandauli
district.
 Director General of Police, Lucknow,

10 Mukhatar Ahmed  The Prime Minister, New Delhi.

o Compensation of 25000 Rupees
from District Authority.

11 Salim  The Prime Minister, New Delhi.

 Letter to District Magistrate, Varanasi for
the Compensation 25000 Rupees.
 Advocacy for weaver card, health
insurance card,
 RTI for compensation to District Magistrate
Office, Varanasi,
 Again advocacy on RTI report of District
Magistrate office, Chief Minister of Uttar
Pradesh & Chief secretary of Uttar
Pradesh. Government for compensation.
12 Phool chand  Prime Minister, Government of India
 Chairperson, National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC),
 Mr. Rahul Gandhi, M.P & Secretary
Congress I,
 Ms. Mayawati, Chief Minister, District
Magistrate and
 Commissioner of Mirzapur Division.

13 Naresh Gupta  Director General of Police,

 National Human Rights Commission and
 H.E President of India

o The daily Hindi Newspaper

Hindusthan published the article
on Naresh.

19 | P a g e
14 Mahatim  UP Police Computer Cetre Lucknow
RTI** Right to Information Act

* The testimonies of the bonded labour were shared to DEVELOPMENT &

RESEARCH SERVICES (DRS) PVT. LTD for the broadcasting of bonded labour
situation in Uttar Pradesh in All India Radio.

ANNEXURE: 3

WORKSHOP ON CAPACITY BUILDING IN WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY

SKILLS

RESOURCE PERSONS:
1. Mr. Tarun Bose
Journalist & Trainer,
C-2/92A, Keshavpuram, Delhi-110035

2. Mr. Sam Litin

Intern
Leap now
USA

ORGANISERS:
3. Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
PVCHR

4. Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan

PVCHR

20 | P a g e
PARTICIPANTS:
5. Mr. Upendra Kumar
PVCHR

6. Ms. Anupam Nagvanshi

PVCHR

7. Mr. Satyaprakash Dev Pandey

PVCHR

8. Mr. Jai Kumar Mishra

PVCHR

9. Mr. Rajeev Singh

PVCHR

10. Ms. Jagriti Rahi

Vision

11. Mr. Pawan Upadhaya

PVCHR

12. Mr. Anup Kumar Srivastava

PVCHR

13. Mr. Anand Kumar

PVCHR

14. Mr. Praveen Kumar

Janmadhyam,

SPECIAL INVITEES
15. Mr. Siddique Hasan
Convenor, Bunkar Dastkar Adhikar Manch
Varanasi

16. Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi

Managing Trustee, Jan Mitra Nyas
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi -221002

17. Mr. Lal Bahadur

Trustee, Jan Mitra Nyas
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi -221002

18. Mr. Ajay Rai

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 Deputy Editor, Amar Ujala, Varanasi

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 PROCEEDINGS

While conducting workshops such as this one, in a classroom style the

participants’ interest was kept intact. Seeing the intensive nature of
the training participants was restricted to twelve, which helped in
quantifying the level of success and the workshop achieved in
imparting and bolstering the skills of the participants.

The trainer, who harnessed the skill of the trainees in writing skills, has
managed to accumulate and cull over the years led him to design and
format this workshop in a way he felt would benefit the PVCHR in an
optimal manner. Thus the workshop was residential to accrue
maximum benefit of the teaching techniques.

The workshop was held over five consecutive days, each day
comprising two intensive and highly interactive sessions. Not only were
writing and photography skills imparted to the participants, but
discussions on many core-issues and problems also took place. This
was followed by the participants putting out designs and formulated
content for wall newspapers ably assisted by the resource persons who
had assembled at the venue to guide them through the process of skill
acquisition and the deployment of skills by launching the wall
newspapers for wider dissemination through pre-testing.

We give you here a graphical and succinct account of the workshop

sessions in the narrative format, along with the impressions,
observations and recommendations that emerged out of this entire
exercise.

27.10.2009, FIRST DAY

FIRST SESSION:
The workshop began with introducing the Resource person. Then, the
participants introduced themselves, formally and it was done to know
each other informally. All this was accomplished in a mood of open
bonhomie and good humour. This served as a tool that gets the
participants into a perceptive mood. This state of mind, we feel, also
encourages the transmission and reception of new concepts, ideas and
skills not only from the resource person but also from one another.

Then, Dr. Lenin said few words on the importance of such initiatives
and how effective such skills as those imparted by resource person
would provide the human rights defenders with an effective medium of
communication for bringing fore the voices of survivors of torture and
organised violence.

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After the introductions resource person briefly explained the activities
of the session scheduled for five days

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi giving orientation

The workshop started with orientation of participants with the

techniques of reporting. Beginning with the essentials, he told the
trainees to remember 5 Ws and 1 H
5 Ws are
 Who: This is whom the action is about. Who is talking
 What: What happened. It usually includes a verb.
 When: Simply the day of the week, usually. Like where, it is a
reference point for the reader. Sometimes more specific time is
important to include.
 Where: Leaving out where an event occurred confuses readers
to no end. In covering news, you may be expected to include an
address. Often it helps to include a landmark as well.
 Why: Hard to answer sometimes. It usually involves some
discussion in the second or third paragraph of why the event seems
to have occurred or why it is significant.
1 H is
 How: And sometimes how, which usually takes care of the
story’s middle.

He asked the participants that whenever they go for reporting or

interviewing they should write the 5Ws and 1 H in their notebook with
lots of blank space between 5 Ws and 1 H. Before finishing an
interview or reporting, go down that list and make sure the blanks are
filled.

24 | P a g e
Post to this, the Resource person then led the participants to the tips of
reporting. The tips are as follows:
• Taking Notes: While reporting whatever information you gather
do write down in your note book. Don’t let the jargon get into
your notebook. Avoid words, expressions and phrases that are
known only to people with specific knowledge or interests. You
have to keep in mind that most of your readers are either
unlettered or semi-literate. You have to use simple words and
expressions so that you are able to build up a rapport with the
readers.
• Keep the colours in: Keep the colourful details that would give
life to the story. It’s not only what people say that’s important,
but also how they say it. Example: how he would handle council
members who disagreed with him, Chairman Sunder Mohan
looked his questioner straight in the eye, grinned and formed his
right hand in the shape of a gun, letting his thumb drop like a
hammer. He didn’t say a word.
• Do not forget people: Remember that people like to read more
about people and their issues than about things. Such as, “Critics
of the government housing project say it would pollute the river
water and undermine the livelihood of the residents” has less
impact than “critics of the government housing project it would
kill the fish in the river and put fishermen out of work.”
• Report both (all) sides: Every story has more than one side to
it. In the interest of balance and fairness, talk to all parties
concerned and report their views.
• Identify the issues: Prior to the reporting a meeting needs to
be organised so that you know what you have to do. In this
meeting all the activists should be called so that they deliberate
on all the issues of the area, where you had planned to go for
reporting. It would also help you to know the issues, necessities
and aspirations of the area so that you take a concrete step
towards resolving the problem. Even through regular meetings
helps in acquainting you about the progress.
• Prioritising the issues: Prior to the reporting, in the meeting
you could choose the most important issue out of the compiled
issues. It means that the issue needs to be prioritised in tune to
the ground realities of the area. It should like that in the area,
there is outbreak of malaria or other disease taking an epidemic
proportion due to filth and dirt but you take up some other issue.
Always you have to remember that you have prioritised the issue
and choose the most important one. It helps in giving pace to
your work.
• Prepare your questionnaire: Before going for the reporting,
prepare your questionnaire on the issue, which you want to raise

25 | P a g e
 in your story. Your prepared questionnaire, prior to the reporting
helps you to understand the issue compared to others.

During the reporting, following things needs to be

remembered:
You have to keep in mind that your work is to dig out the true facts
and inform people about it so while during reporting following things
needs to be remembered:
• Readers are not interested to know your personal views so while
reporting do not impose your views on the readers
• Use simple language, which people understand and report in
such a manner, which enhances their interest.
• Do not use words, expressions and phrases which are not known
to the people. Use the words, expressions and phrases in a very
interesting way so that readers enjoy while reading your story.
• You should have full grasp of the topic on which want to develop
your story.
• Do not make any baseless allegations. Do corroborate it with
facts.
• Use correct figures.
• Do not gather wrong information if there is paucity of time.

Cross check the information gathered for ironing out the

mistakes: Its responsibility of every reporter that whatever
information they give it should be balanced and fair. It should be free
from bias and mistakes so that the readers get correct and accurate
information. It’s possible that for the readers some of the information
might be quite new so in this situation, if any inaccurate or wrong
information is given to them, then they would think it to be true. If it is
cross checked within the team then the mistakes or inaccuracies could
be ironed out.

Sam Litin, an Intern associated with Lean Now of USA, present during
session introduced photography to the participants. He said
photography is one of the most commonly used and effective methods
of visual documentation and communication. He was happy to note
that the digital cameras given to all the participants would help in
bring fore the realities confronting the lives of the people among which
they are working.

It should record the fact, which touches us and jolts our sensibilities.
Photography is the art of recording images, which we find attractive,
amusing, or thought provoking. And, unlike many other mediums, it
provides us with a "true-to-life" image, which is not too much different
than to what our own eyes would see. Photography can only record
that our eyes saw.

26 | P a g e
He explained that while taking the photos there should be more to
framing a photo than just making sure everything is inside the frame. If
you want to take a photo, you should also consider how the objects in
your photo, called the subjects, are placed.

Then, he asked the participants to take photos and then he promised

to come the next day and show the participants the photos taken by
him during his visit to India and other countries.

Participants were busy in taking photos in and around the room. Some
of them went outside the room and took photos. Showed it to Sam
Litin, who appreciated it and asked them to continue it with much of
effort and enthusiasm.

SECOND SESSION:

After that, the Resource person explained to the participants the ten
tips for better interview. The tips explained are as follows:
1. Be prepared: Always read up on the subject you are reporting
about and the person you are interviewing. Your source will
appreciate your effort, and you will be able to skip questions that
can be a subordinate, book or document. When scheduling the
appointment, ask your source to suggest documents or other
sources of information about the topic you will discuss. The
interviewee will appreciate your interest and often share
valuable documents before the interview. Make sure that your
tape recorder has batteries that work. Bring an extra tape as well
as pens and notebooks.
2. Set the rules of the interview right up front! Be sure your
subject understands the story you are working (this will keep
the interview on track). Additionally, the interviewee must
understand that everything they say is “on the record”. It is
best to establish these ground rules when making the
interview appointment. Remember that upfront clarification may
be required (especially when your source or life could be
endangered by being quoted).
3. Be on time: The worst impression you can make on a source is
being late for the interview.
4. Be observant: Observe details of the place and of your
interviewing partner: this can add colour to your story. You
may start an interview with assumptions about a person and
leave with a completely different impression. However, this may
be exactly what your sources intended. Perception is a tricky
business! Try to talk to others, colleagues or friends of your
source, to get a bigger picture.

27 | P a g e
 5. Be polite, Do not rush your source: It is important to
establish a polite rapport and a level of comfort for the
interviewee. Some interviewees, on the other hand need a
couple of minutes to become comfortable talking to reporters.
Even though you may only have 30 minutes for an interview,
you should not rush your subject. If you sense the interviewee is
in hurry, adjust your timing accordingly. Keep in mind everyone
is different. Taking the time to get to know your sources will
prove valuable, especially when you need to call with follow-up
questions or use them as a source for future stories. If the
interview goes well, it may even go beyond the scheduled time.
Give yourself plenty of time between appointments to avoid
scheduling conflicts.
6. Listen but don’t be afraid to interrupt when you don’t
understand: Keep your readers in mind. One reason you are
conducting this interview is to explain it to your readers. If
your subject uses scientific jargon or explanations only his/her
peers would understand, politely interrupt and ask for
further explanation. Never be embarrassed about not knowing
something.
7. Silence is golden: Sooner or later you will have to ask the
tough questions that your subject may be reluctant to discuss.
When you start asking those provocative questions, the answers
most likely will be short, useless or carefully worded. You may
get an answer at all. If this occurs, look your source in the eye
and don’t say a word. In most cases, your opponent will begin to
feel uncomfortable and begin to share information again. If this
doesn’t work, ask for sources who might answer your question.
8. Maintain eye contact: A reporter who spends most of the
interview bent over taking notes or looking into a notebook can
be as disconcerting as a tape recorder in an interviewee’s face.
While taking notes and recording the interview, maintain as
much eye contact as possible. Learn to take abbreviated notes
looking down only once in a while so you can focus on your
interviewee. This will make the interview like a conversation, and
enable everyone to be more relaxed.
9. Before you leave ….ask your source if there is anything that
you might have forgotten to ask. Perhaps the interviewee is
burning to tell you useful information but you did not even
think to ask that question. Don’t leave without getting a contact
number or e-mail address and a good time to call up with follow-
up questions. Always ask for other sources. Colleagues or friends
of the interviewee may be more knowledgeable or willing and
able to speak to you. Thank your source for spending time
talking with you before you leave.

28 | P a g e
 10. Review your notes right after the interview: Don’t
wait until the end of the day or later in the week to review your
notes. Go over them right away, while everything is fresh in
your mind, filling in your short notes and elaborating on your
observations. Review and organised your notes.

Then, the participants were asked to write a story within 600 words for
testing their aptitude in writing. Participants gathered after an hour
and everyone submitted their assignments to the Resource person.
After that, participants were divided into three groups and following
places were selected for the on-the-site overage:
• Nakhi Ghat
• Dhakarbasti
• Bajardiha

The first group was asked to develop their questionnaire and cover
the functioning of anganwadi, basic facilities such as Public Distribution
System, distribution of mid day meals in Government schools, Auxiliary
Nursing Mother (ANM) in Nakhi Ghat, a slum colony and even to
interview the local corporator pertaining to his role in the colony. The
group comprised of Anupam Nagvanshi, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Anand
Kumar and Upendra.

The second group was asked to develop their questionnaire to cover

eviction drive, police repression and the problem facing the Dharkar
families living at road side for the last four generation. Dharkar families
earned their livelihood by making basket and other article with
bamboo. On 29th January 2009 at midnight hours, over 50 policemen
armed to the teeth unleashed a reign of terror over the impoverished
slum dwellers with a purpose of eviction at Hukulganj. Even they didn’t
spare the sleeping children or elderly people. Police brutally assaulted
women, when they failed in their attempt to molest them. The group
comprised of Satyaprakash, Anup Kumar, Jai Kumar Mishra, Pawan
Kumar and Praveen Kumar.

The third group comprising of Lenin, Shabana and Jagriti

accompanied by Siddique Hasan was asked to interview the victims of
police firing at Bajardiha weavers’ colony in March 2005. On 11th
March 2005, Holi revellers tried to engineer communal riot in
Bajardiha. These miscreants threw colours on the mosque; write filthy
invectives on its wall targeting the minority community. Without taking
any action against the miscreants, police fired indiscriminately on the
weavers and killed two youths and incapacitated eight people. The
group was asked to develop their questionnaire and interview the
family members of the youths killed in police firing and those injured
by the police bullet.
29 | P a g e
This done, Tarun Kanti Bose asked the participants to come with the
questionnaire on the issues selected them for reporting and
interviewing. With this, the day’s session came to an end.

28.10.2009, SECOND DAY

SESSION ONE:

The second day began with Jagriti Rahi summing up the first day’s
progress. This done, the participants showed their questionnaires to
the Resource person. Then, he suggested to some of the participants
to show it to Lenin and Praveen Kumar. All of them suggested some
changes, which participants followed diligently.

After this, three groups comprising of three to five participants each

and these groups were asked to go to the colonies to gather
information and interview people on the issues selected by them.

SECOND SESSION:
After gathering information the participants came back and assembled
at around 7.30 pm at the workshop venue. Then, Tarun Bose asked the
participants to write down their stories during the night by incorporate
all the information they had gathered during the interviews and
interaction with the people.

After this, Tarun Kanti Bose gave tips on effective writing style to the
participants. He also told if they adopted it then it would help in
developing good stories for newsletter and wall newspapers. The tips
are as follows:
1. Emphasise the most important item in the ‘intro’ or ‘lead’ in the
first paragraph.
2. Proceed from the most interesting to the least interesting.
3. Don’t clutter your lead or intro with too many details.
4. Write one idea in one paragraph
5. Give your source or authority when necessary.
6. Identify all persons. Write their full names the first time they are
mentioned. Sometimes, a surname/title is not always
sufficient. Explain what the person does.
7. Explain all technical terms, and avoid using too many in a story.
8. Use quotes sparingly. Ensure they always add something to your
story.
9. Avoid clichés and sloganeering:
• Use concrete, specific words and phrases, rather than general,
abstract ones.
• Use the active rather than the passive voice.

30 | P a g e
 • Strive for coherence by using connecting words, phrases, clauses
and- sometimes– sentences or paragraphs.

Then, he introduced the participants to ‘inverted pyramid’, which

meant, that you lay out the facts in descending order of importance. It
is the standard narrative, inverted. So while writing a story they
should start with important information and end with least important
information. The inverted pyramid form for the story has three key
parts:
• The lead or intro: The lead or intro is the first paragraph of any
story. The lead or intro tells everything that needs to be known,
as well as the most relevant details.
• The middle: This includes paragraphs to support the lead/intro,
to add details that are significant but not essential. In the middle
you probably will want to give the quotes of village heads,
officials and people pertaining to the issue.
• The expendable ending: A major reason for writing stories in
the inverted pyramid form is so the bottom can be cut without
eliminating some crucial detail Stories almost always are cut a
little – often from the bottom ---- to fit the space. The expendable
end should include background information.

The Resource person then cleared doubts the participants and brought
the second day’s session to a close.

29.10.2009, THIRD DAY

SESSION ONE:
The third day of the workshop began on a crisp note, as participants
assembled for the fifth session. Then, Anupam Nagvanshi summed up
second day’s activities.

Having done, Tarun Kanti Bose had all the assignments collected and
then he went through it and evaluated it.

Then, he explained each and every participant and wrote down

intro/lead of every story in the white board. He was helped by Dr. Lenin
Raghuvanshi in checking the assignments and developing the stories.
While writing down the intro/lead of the story, both of them stressed on
the following:
• From the mass of information available to you, you are
expected to select the most important and significant details
and present it as intro/lead of your story. If you write in an
interesting way then it will immediately grab the reader’s
attention and hold it. As you become more experienced, you
will find that there is more to be discarded than to be saved in
your intro/lead.

31 | P a g e
 • As the inverted pyramid form requires that you deal with the
facts in descending order of importance, the best way to
establish what is important is to summarise it at the outset.

It was now proposed that the participants now apply their creative
energies to rewrite their stories, keeping in mind the intro/lead written
in the white board. The Resource person then cleared any doubts the
participants had, also told them how to put intro/lead, middle and
ending of the story in a more presentable manner.

SESSION TWO

In the post-lunch session, the resource person continued writing down

intro/lead of participants’ stories on the white board. Few among the
participants were asked to write down their stories on the white board.
Anand Kumar, Upendra and Jai Kumar wrote down ‘intro/lead’ of their
stories at the right earnest. Further, it was polished by the Resource
person to enhance its readability for making it popular among the
readers.

When ‘intro/lead’ of all the stories written by the participants was

developed, the Resource person asked the participants to rewrite their
stories and submit it next day morning. Before the session broke for a
day, the participant groups were asked to select the title of wall
newspapers, which would be in its masthead.

30.10.2009, FOURTH DAY

SESSION ONE
The fourth day of the workshop began as participants assembled for
the seventh session. Then, Anup Kumar Srivastava recapitulated third
day’s activities.

Next in line, reparations were soon underfoot to get ready for a session
on photography. Sam Litin took the centre stage and showed the
photos shot by him. While participants were viewing the photos, he
told them, when you take photos, you have to remember the following:
 Field : The main subject, which plays an important role in
composition
 Foreground: The area between the camera and the main
subject.
 Background: The area behind the main subject in a photograph

32 | P a g e
Whatever you shoot, more importance needs to be given to the subject
than to the background. While taking photos, it’s necessary to capture
the facial expressions.

He explained that photos should have the following characteristics:

• Facial expression
• Light and shade
• Colour
• Texture
• Depth
• Shape

After that, the 3 groups showed the photos shot by them during the
on-site coverage. Quite appreciative of the photos taken by the
participants, Sam Litin discussed how much more practise needs to be
done for taking photos synchronising with the stories. Participants
appropriate photos were chosen, which would be pasted in the space
left in midst of their stories.

Next in line, participants submitted their stories and then, Tarun Kanti
Bose, gave many new insights into the planning and making of wall
newspapers. Some excerpts from his interaction with the participants
are given below:

Tarun Bose remarked “I would say that you have so far done an
admirable job in writing and then rewriting your stories based on the
information, which you gathered from the field. But it now needs to be
placed in the wall newspapers to be designed by you”.

He suggests, “to keep the community within which you work, the
main nodal point of the wall newspaper, and I suggest you build
everything else that goes into your wall newspaper around this main
focal point. In the wall newspaper, problems/issues grappled by the
local people need to be raised in the language which has more
readability and popular too”.

The difference between a regular newspaper and a wall newspaper is

that a newspaper you do not have much of control over what will
ultimately get published. You write for it and an editor decides what
will finally go into the making of the paper. In a wall newspaper, you
have full control over the content, that is, you decide what will go into
it, and how it will look like. You are both the writer as well as the editor.
You also have full control over the frequency, or rather, the periodicity
of the wall newspaper. You may choose to put it out daily, weekly, or
monthly, and you may even put up special supplements whenever you

33 | P a g e
feel there is a need for one. Your wall newspaper structure and content
would be as follows:
• A card sheet, chart paper or tabloid sized paste sheet is most
appropriate for preparing a wall newspaper
• You must also give your wall newspaper an appropriate name,
which should be prominently written out middle on the top of the
sheet in bold letters, so that it stands out and creates a distinct
identity for your work. Do decide about its logo, periodicity and
edition number prior to launching of the wall newspaper.
• The lead story/article in the wall newspaper should be topical,
interesting and in tune with the needs of the community.
• The stories should be with clear headings and photos.
• Five to six stories which updates the readers about the issues,
which are topical and relevant.
• One amongst in your group who has the best hand entrust the
job of writing the text to him/her. Calligraphy is important, as it
will ensure readability.

A wall newspaper is also an excellent medium to use as an organiser

and you can use this as a means to mobilise people on the issues that
concerns you, a newspaper does not lend itself to this sort of use.

Tarun Bose stated, “I strongly feel that bringing out a wall

newspaper regularly will have far reaching effects on the people, with
whom you are working. As it is a community effort and it is your very
own paper. Secondly, regularly bringing it out will contribute
enormously to your own self development, as active members of the
community who are concerned about it”

It is of paramount importance that you first build a small dedicated

team to bring out the wall newspaper. You may expand as you go
along, as you will find that more and more people will eventually get
interested in contributing to it as you go along putting it up regularly.
Who knows, soon your wall newspaper may get to be big enough to
outreach your areas of operation.

Wall newspapers should be pasted at the vantage point, where people

assemble or it is easily accessible.

Then, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi introduced the participants to Ajay Rai,

Deputy Editor, Amar Ujala, a Hindi daily newspaper. He told that
stories which you would write need to be crisp and in short sentences,
which makes it interesting. Regular effort need to be made. Photos
should be taken so that it synchronises with the story. Photos should
be intrinsic link with the stories.

34 | P a g e
 SESSION TWO
Now participant groups were asked to start working on their wall
newspapers. Groups chose the following titles for their wall
newspapers:
• Dastaan-E- Bunkaar
• Dakhin Tola Times
• Awaaz-E- Bazardiha
The first and second wall newspapers carried Hindi stories and the
third was bi-lingual, which had stories in English and Hindi.

Participants worked till midnight hours for developing their wall

newspapers. It was decided that the wall newspapers would be taken
to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat, on the banks of Ganges, which is popular
for traditional, religious and cultural ceremonies organised by the
government and civil society organisations for pre-testing.

31.10.2009, FIFTH DAY

SESSION ONE:

The session of the workshop began at 10 am on 31st of October with

the participants presenting the wall newspapers that they had created
as part of the assignment. Participants pasted it in the wall of the
workshop venue. Then, Upendra summed up the 4th day’s progress.

After that, preparations were afoot to take the wall newspapers to Dr.
Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and paste the 3 wall newspapers at the
entrance of huge dais for pre-testing.

35 | P a g e
 Readers glancing at the stories of the wall newspapers

Seeing the wall newspapers pasted, people gathered around it and

thoroughly read the stories carried in the wall newspapers. Readers
were of the opinion that wall newspaper is most effective tool for
communication to amplify the voice of the excluded community. In the
days to come, it can emerge as a forum for interaction.

Appreciative of the innovative medium, the newspaper correspondents

and channel reporters were of the opinion that the wall newspapers is
the most economically viable medium, where writers have full control
over it without being dependent on the market forces.

Trainees who developed the wall newspapers were busy seen

interacting with the people, who had thoroughly read the stories
placed in the wall newspapers.
Seeing the public response it was decided to launch the wall
newspapers for wider and larger viewership of people living in
Varanasi.

LAST SESSION
The last session of the workshop began soon after the participants
gathered at the workshop venue, coming back from a successful pre-
testing. Shruti Nagvanshi, Managing Trustee, Jan Mitra Nyas and Lal
Bahadur, Trustee, Jan Mitra Nyas graced the occasion for giving final
touches to a new beginning.

Brimming with confidence, trainees put forth the views expressed by

the readers, who had gone through the contents of the wall

36 | P a g e
newspapers. Anand Kumar came up and spoke, “I am happy at the
outcome of the workshop. During the pre-testing at Dr. Rajendra
Prasad Ghat, Sonia and Ramesh Prajapati expressed that wall
newspaper is the most effective medium, where there are no
hindrances in putting fore the people’s views and reports on their
issues. Readers were of the view that at the bottom of the wall
newspaper, address and phone number of the organisation should be
carried.”

Dr. Rajeev Kumar said people had shown their inquisitiveness in

knowing threadbare about the issues carried in the wall newspaper.
People want that wall newspapers should be a continuous affair.

Next in line was Anup Kumar said photos enlivened the wall
newspapers. People were quite amazed seeing a new innovative
medium such as wall newspaper. Wall newspaper carrying a story on
the corporator should be pasted in his area, which falls in his
jurisdiction.

Taking the cue, Satyaprakash said youth had shown their enthusiasm
and they could be involved in taking it ahead. Siddique Hasan of
Bunkar Dastakar Adhikar Manch, the wall newspapers is an
independent media vehicle carrying the voice of the unheard.

Lenin Raghuvanshi spoke a few words it is a new beginning which has

an immense future ahead. Please continue writing your crusading
interest in digging out the truth, which would help in bringing fore the
issues of people with whom we work.

That brought an end to the activities of the workshop and the

participants dispersed to gather their belongings and ready themselves
for a journey back home.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. We recommend follow up workshops.
More workshops in the PVCHR’s areas of operations, if and when
conducted, will help enormously in consolidating gains garnered during
this workshop.

2. We recommend geographical broadbasing of such

workshops.
Workshops such as this may be planned to cover people from more
states.

3. We recommend quantification of results.

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 The skill acquisition by participants in these workshops, we feel needs
to be quantified further. This presupposes the participation of one
more resource person, who will work at statistically quantifying the
results.

4. We recommend a special workshop for rural journalists.

A workshop focusing on fine tuning the writing style and imparting
photography skills, specially designed for activists from rural areas
were PVCHR is working, we feel, will also be of immense help in
launching wall newspapers and generating stories for mass media. This
sort of exercise will also help PVCHR in getting their points across.

SCHEDULE
Day Session Theme
Day 1 Session I • Introduction
• Participants narrating their
27th experiences
October, • Importance of Writing
09,
Tuesday. • Division of participants in groups
for identification of issues.
Session II • Presentation by groups
• Finalising the issues to be carried
for wall newspaper & newsletter
• Techniques of Reporting &
Interviewing

 Laying the foundation

 Practical tips on
collecting information
and digging out the
facts
 Different forms of
writing

Preparing questionnaire for next day’s

interviewing (Home work)
Day 2 Session I • Summing up of 1st Day Progress
• Reflection of 1st Day Experiences
28th
October, • Finalizing the questionnaire prior to
09, the interviewing
Wednesda Session II • Field visits for collecting
y, information

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 • Participants interviewing people for
collection of information

• Practical Exercises for writing

stories based on the information
gathered (home work)
Day 3 Session I • Summing up of 2nd Day Progress
• Reflections of 2nd Day Experiences
29th • Assessment & Analysis of exercises
October,
09 • Techniques of layout & designing
Thursday of wall newspaper & newsletter
Session II • Division of participants for
assessing the samples stories
• Presentation by groups assessing
good stories
• Techniques of Writing Feature
stories for newsletters & wall
newspapers

• Practical Exercises (home work)

Day 4 Session I • Summing up of 3rd Day Progress
• Reflections of 3rd Day Experiences
30th • Assessment & Analysis of Exercises
October,
09 Friday • Techniques of Writing Headlines
Session II • Practice of Writing Headlines
• Integration of Headlines with
Stories

• Practical Exercises (home work)

Day 5 Session I • Summing up of 4th Day Progress

• Reflections of 4th Day Experiences
31st
October, • Assessment & Analysis of Exercises
09
Saturday • Planning stories for wall
newspapers & newsletters

• Practical Exercise
Session II • Conclusion of Training
• Post-Training Assessment

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 • Overall Reflections
• Closing

• Vote of Thanks

ANNEXURE III.
Article on Testimonial therapy: A pilot project to improve psychological
wellbeing among survivors of torture in India was published in
the TORTURE Volume 19, Number 3, 2009 of Torture Journal by
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
(IRCT), Denmark. National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the
primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical
research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical
discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives, NIH
scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the
causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare
diseases. Please see the URL:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20065539?
log$=activity

 On 27th November, 09 Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi shared testimonial

therapy to many diplomats in an informal “Civil Society Cocktail”
hold by the Netherland Embassy.

 Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan and Mr. Upendra Kumar attend Media
workshop on Female Foeticide held in Varanasi and end up it is
also form of organized violence against women and testimonial
therapy is useful to provide psychological support.

 The Manual “Giving Voice” and article on testimonial therapy

was posted on the google group of International Network of
Psychologists for Social Responsibility (INPsySR) and Centre for
Torture Survivors in Helsinki and was quite interested in the
Testimonial Therapy manual.

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  Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan attended
virtual meeting on November 21, 09 on SKYPE. In the meeting
Dr. Lenin elected as member of Steering Committee and Ms.
Shabana as member in reserve. It was decided in the meeting to
create a google group on Peace psychology Practice on Trauma
and Reconciliation and the group is managed by Shabana.
http://www.vastuu.fi/main/index.php?
&p=Ajankohtaista/1&intrafm_formmanager_articlecategory_Articl
eid=1261030307_862

 Hamar T.V (a Bhojpuri regional channel) telecast half hour

interview of Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi in its special program on the
issue of custodial death and police torture on 6th January, 10 and
Violence against women on 9th January, 09. The Hamar T.V is
mostly famous in Jharkhad, Bihar, Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.

 Right to Information was used to get the data and clearer picture
of the individuals that are on death row in India. The application
was sent to Public information Officer, National and State Home
Ministry. After not getting appropriate information we proceed
for the first appeal. (With the collaboration of Amnesty
International) second Right to Information used to know the
cases of death, rape and disappeared, police torture recorded in
previous this two year.

 Dr. Lenin participated in the Human Rights Day organized by

European Union delegation India.

 Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi participated in two days conference in

Urai hold by Pahuch Vikas Manch on 30 -31 December, 09. He
shared to Amar Ujala a daily Hindi newspaper about the
Workshop and process of testimonial therapy.
 Right to Information application sent to Chief Secretary, Uttar
Pradesh to know the cases investigated under 176 (1) (A) Cr.P.C
through judicial magistrate.
 On 24th December, 09 Dr. Lenin attended the meeting of the
district bonded labour committee. The district committee
pursued for the rehabilitation of nine survivors. Mr. Tanveer
Ahmad Siddique elected as member of the district vigilance
committee on Bonded labour.

 The three survivors of Bonded labour Mr. Ayub, Mr. Wasil and
Mahadev released and letter was sent for the rehabilitation.

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  PVCHR shared the situation of Human Rights Defender in India
with World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) for the
preparation of Observatory’s Annual Report 2009 on Human
Rights Defenders.

 Nizamuddin,a homeless weaver converted as rickshaw driver

received the house under Kanshi Ram Awas Yojana due to
advocacy of PVCHR and NDTV through breaking the silence and
amplifying the voice in corridor of policy makers.

SUPPORT FROM INTERNS:

o Three interns of M.S.W from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi

Vidyapith (MGKVP), Varanasi are assigned to take the
followup case study of survivors, who were psychological
supported through testimonial therapy.
o One interns from Ram Manhohar Lohiya, National Law
University, Lucknow helped in preparing the sheet.

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRO-BONO LAWYERS

RABRI DEVI: Rabri Devi appeared in the court. Her examination in

chief was recorded. Cross examination is continued. Next date is fixed
11/01/2010.

BHAGERAN: Process issued against the accused.

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