A novel initiative by Karnataka Sahitya Academy in association with Department of Prisons and Correctional Services; Workshop to be extended to other jails later

Mysuru: To kindle the habit of reading and writing among jail inmates, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy in association with Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, has chalked out a novel initiative.

In the first phase, a special literary workshop for jail inmates has been organised from May 7 to 9 at Mysuru Central Jail. It is mainly intended at introducing prisoners to the nuances of literature and the practice of reading and writing, so that the main aim of reforming the prisoners can be achieved.

In the coming days, the literature workshop will be extended to Parappana Agrahara Prison in Bengaluru, Hindalga Jail in Belagavi, Ballari Jail and other prisons in the State. That apart, it is being thought over to provide books with the help of publishers and writers to the prisoners.

Chairman of Karnataka Sahitya Academy L.N. Mukund Raj will inaugurate the workshop organised in Mysuru Central Jail tomorrow at 10.30 am.

Sahitya Academy Member Dr. Chandrakiran Kulawadi and Chief Superintendent of Mysuru Central Jail P.S. Ramesh will address the gathering.

Journalist and writer Ganesh Ameengad will deliver a lecture on the topic ‘Ranga Chikitse’ (Treatment through theatre). The jail inmates R. Ramu and T.M. Venkatesh will be reciting their poetries.

On May 8 at 10.30 am, writer Prof. Morabada Mallikarjunswamy will deliver a lecture on ‘Kavya Jagathu’, writer Deepti Bhadravathi on ‘Kata Jagathu’ and Director of Sir M.V. Post Graduate Centre, Mandya, Dr. H.T. Venkatesh Murthy on ‘Kadambari Jagathu’.

On May 9 at 10.30 am, litterateur Dr. Rajappa Dalawayi and poetess Dr. Zayeeda will share their views on the significance of Kannada literature.

Chairman of Karnataka Sahitya Academy L.N. Mukund Raj said, several programmes are being planned with the sole idea of publicising Kannada literature.

Under the name ‘Santheyalli Pampa’ at the literary workshop, the literary works of Adikavi Pampa will be introduced to the people from diverse backgrounds gathering at the shandy.

Plans are on the anvil to conduct similar workshops about literature to farmers, journalists and labourers.