Khudiram Bose Central Jail

Muzaffarpur, March 1: Prisoners lodged at Khudiram Bose Central Jail have taken up painting to express their thought. The paintings of five prisoners have even been sent to Bangalore for a national competition.

Once a part of the world of crime, around 35 inmates of the jail have picked up brushes and colour palettes to reflect their hidden talents on the canvas. Encouraged by the jail administration in their artistic pursuit, the prisoners honed their skills for the past three to four months.

The creations of five prisoners are now up for evaluation at the National Competition of Painting and Drawing in Bangalore, Khudiram Bose Central Jail superintendent Vishwanath Prasad said. The Union home ministry (prisons) has organised the event for judging the works of inmates lodged in various jails across the country. The results would be announced on March 10.

Of the five prisoners whose paintings have been selected for the competition, one is Ganesh Kumar Singh, who is serving a life term in the central jail. Lodged in the prison since 2003 for a murder, Ganesh has become a skilled artist. He sketches deities on the canvas with great perfection and ease. The remaining four are Uday Singh, Ramesh Mishra, Ajay Rai and Shyam Lal.

Prasad said Uday’s paintings focus on climate changes, ecological imbalances, the importance of blood donation, education and care of elderly persons. Ramesh, also serving a life term, has emphasised on renunciation of greediness and mitigating anger and wrath.

Ajay, on the other hand, has forwarded paintings on the ill-effects of consuming alcohol and tobacco products. The superintendent said if any of the creations bag awards and citations, the inmates would be felicitated by the jail administration.

Prasad added that the prisoners, who had requested for art materials, were provided with the items required to hone their talents. “The jail administration also helped the prisoners in enhancing their skills,” he said, adding that artists were also brought in from outside to guide the prisoners.

Prasad told The Telegraph: “The state government has launched several ambitious plans to reform the prisoners in the jail. Job-oriented schemes have also been introduced and many prisoners have expressed their willingness to embrace the occupational skills.”