New Delhi: Seema Azad’s new prison memoir, Unsilenced: The Jail Diary of an Activist, presents a clear and direct account of her 2.5 years inside Naini Jail. The book records daily life in custody, the fear of sudden arrest, and the emotional pressure used by the police during interrogation. It also documents the struggles of women inmates from marginalised communities who face harsh conditions, limited rights, and constant surveillance.
Azad writes about her arrest with her partner, Vishwa Vijay, and the violations they faced at the hands of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force. She explains how the police withheld information about the charges, attempted to cut off access to family and lawyers, and used intimidation. Her prior knowledge of legal rights helped her communicate with her family and lawyers, and she encourages readers to learn these rights for their own protection.
The memoir also exposes the treatment of women inside prisons. Azad describes abusive language, forced strip searches after court visits, and the loss of dignity that inmates endure. She notes that women staff often repeat the same patriarchal behaviour seen outside prison walls.
One of the most moving sections focuses on children born in prison. Azad recalls a child who had never seen the moon because all inmates were locked indoors by sunset. She argues that these children miss essential early experiences that shape their growth.
Azad’s writing highlights the need for better implementation of prison safeguards. Her memoir is an important contribution to prison literature and offers useful insights for readers interested in justice and human rights.
