Nagpur: Prisoners at Nagpur Central Jail showcased their artistic talents during Diwali Pahat, a special cultural programme organised to bring happiness and positivity into their lives.
“Since around 3,000 prisoners are housed in the jail, the programme was organised over two days. Heart Beat Musical Group, Nagpur, performed on Nov 6, while Harmony Events, Nagpur, presented the musical programme on Nov 7,” said Superintendent of Prisons Vaibhav Aage.
“The programme also provided a platform for inmates to showcase their singing skills,” said Addl Superintendent of Prisons Deepa Aage. As artists performed popular Marathi and Hindi songs, prisoners enthusiastically joined in, dancing to the music and enjoying the performances. Some inmates also took to the stage to sing.
The song ‘Rote Rote Hasna Seekho’, which conveys the message of facing life’s struggles with a smile, received a particularly warm response, he said. These products were made available for sale in the market, providing prisoners an opportunity to earn through their skills,” said Aage. It aims to encourage positive thinking, develop skills and prepare prisoners for a dignified return to society, a prison official said.
The Diwali celebrations extended beyond music, with prisoners using their artistic skills to make decorative lanterns (aakash kandils) and earthen lamps (diyas) to adorn the jail premises. The initiative reflects the Maharashtra Prisons Department’s motto of ‘Reform and Rehabilitation’. Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons Suhas Warke and Special Inspector General of Prisons Yogesh Desai had motivated the Nagpur team to organise the event.