Kolkata jail authorities hold rehabilitation art workshop for inmates

Kolkata, Feb.22 (ANI): Authorities at Kolkata's Alipore Jail organised an art workshop as part of their rehabilitation programme for inmates.

The first of a kind art workshop saw the participation of convicts and professional painters.

Inspector General of Kolkata Correctional Services, Ranvir Kumar, said such initiatives would provide inmates a livelihood after they leave prison.

"They are getting the importance, recognition by the society, which they were not getting earlier, while committing crime also and when they are inside, so that will give a sense of pride and dignity within. So, a person is dead the day he losses his confidence or dignity, so by going through this process, they will get the dignity and the confidence and an urge to live and survive as a better citizen," said Kumar.

Prisons in West Bengal are called correctional homes. Eighteen convicts participated from two correctional homes, including twelve from the Alipore Correctional Home for men and six from Women Correctional Home.

Kumar added the inmates were imparted legal education in jails to make them aware of their rights.

"Legal help, legal education as well as normal education, we are trying to impart, so that they should be aware of what are their rights, what are their duties and what they can expect from the authority," said Kumar.

However, the prisoners participating in the workshop said these paintings helped them to develop their creative skills and drove away negativity and depressing thoughts.

The professional artists also taught convicts some new ideas and techniques of art.

The Alipore Correctional Home has become India's first prison to house a permanent art gallery, showcasing 50 paintings and sculptures by inmates. (ANI)