<![CDATA[To provide an alternate means of livelihood to the inmates and allowing a free expression of creativity and talent to those behind bars, the authorities at Bhondsi jail are now providing opportunities in the field of music. A talent hunt was launched by Dr. Kiran Bedi, the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, on Saturday and she was effusive in her praise of the novel initiative. Monica Dhawan, director, Indian Vision Foundation, an NGO associated with the project, told that this project is initiated to not only promote the inmates’ talent, but also to upskill and groom them in various creative pursuits, including music.To give them a platform to showcase their talent and make sure they reach new heights and to also enable them to open training schools to groom and harness musical talents on release. The project started with the inauguration of ‘Dhun’ , a 20x20 feet room designed specially to provide professional music training. Once the project starts in Bhondsi prison, it will be replicated in Sonepat, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Jind prisons as well. The project started with the idea of not only building a positive atmosphere on the jail premises, but also help inmates with career options in music. Out of the 2,178 inmates, only 100 managed to clear various rounds of auditions. Of these, 20 have been selected for a professional one-year training. A production and television house, in collaboration with the India Vision Foundation, is organizing the one-year talent hunt. The inmates will have access to various instruments and teachers for pursuing professional training. There will be guitar, harmonium, tabla, and keyboards for inmates, with teachers helping them polish their skills. The objective is to provide them with a chance to get a source of livelihood. The new room constructed for the training of selected inmates has a new celling, special lights, wall decor and musical instruments. Two instructors will be assigned to train the inmates. The inmates will undergo a rigorous training, comprising of three hours, six days a week. Mr. Jai Kishan Chillar, the Superintendent of Bhondsi Jail told that, we are hopeful that this project will help reform our inmates and inspire them to take up creative pursuits. It will also help them shake off the dark memories of crimes that they committed and find solace and peace of mind in music. One of the highlights of the project is ‘Dhun’ the music room, which will be conceptualized and designed by a television channel of the same name. Suraj, a 19-year-old inmate of Bhondsi jail, said that he did not know he could sing so well as to be selected for the training. He enjoyed the auditions and is eagerly waiting for the project to start soon. The authorities are aiming to bring a change to the lives of inmates and help them get over their crimes. Dinesh, a 40-year-old who is lodged in the prison in connection with a murder case, said that Guitar is an instrument he loves. He feels that if he can master it then it will be a pleasure for him to teach playing guitar to others. He feels that he will also look to make a living out of it .]]>
