Woman Intern Shares 'Eye-Opening' Experience Inside Tihar Jail's All-Male Block

Diya Kahali, a psychology intern from Ghaziabad, recently took to LinkedIn to recount her two-week internship experience as the only female trainer working in an all-male unit at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, the largest prison complex in the country. Describing the stint as 'intense,' Diya offered an unfiltered look at the challenges of navigating Tihar’s correctional environment as an intern. There was no structured training to rely on, and interns had to figure everything out along the way.

“You have to keep asking for guidance, verify every step, and never hesitate to request a guard if needed,” she wrote.

She also highlighted the importance of language in building trust, “Hypotheticals help. So do examples - without making it personal.”

"Surviving and Thriving: My reality as a psychology trainee at Tihar prison complex," she said. She had to speak to inmates, build psychological reports, and face off with grilling sessions by doctors, everyday, all while going through the unspoken challenges of being one of the only two women inside that zone. "You're hyper-visible and invisible at the same time," she said.

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Adapting to the High-Pressure Zone

Gaining the trust of the jail inmates wasn’t easy, many were closed off, some silent, others cautious. “Stay cool, stay confident, and never let your guard down," she advises.

Despite the initial tension, Diya noted that the unexpected warmth from senior police officials, made a 'world of difference.'

She didn’t just share reflections, but she also gave practical advice for future interns:

• The program is still evolving, so patience and flexibility are key.
• Tihar's gate no. 3 is your go-to for documentation.
• Research is possible, but with the right approach and permissions.
• The environment can be 'intense' for an intern, be mentally prepared for that.

“Was it difficult? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely,” she affirmed, emphasising how the experience taught her far more than classroom theory ever could.

Sparking a Conversation Online

Diya’s post resonated widely on social media. One commenter, who had also interned at Tihar, wrote, “As I interned at Tihar, I can relate to your point of being the only woman in an all-male cell.”

Another added, “Thank you for shedding light on your experience at Tihar Prison Complex. Your dedication to your work and the insights you've gained are truly commendable. Keep up the amazing work!”

Her story not only gave people a window into prison psychology but also inspired a broader conversation about gender, safety, and mental resilience in unconventional workspaces.