3-day literature workshop begins; Karnataka Sahitya Academy launches unique experiment from Mysuru Central Prison

Mysuru: A three-day special literary workshop for the inmates of Mysuru Central Prison,  organised by Karnataka Sahitya Academy in association with the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, was inaugurated yesterday.

Chairman of Karnataka Sahitya Academy L.N. Mukund Raj, in his inaugural address said, “Had anybody understood the meaning of Basavanna’s vachana, Kalabeda Kolabeda, Husiya Nudiyalu Beda, Anyarige Asayya padabeda, nobody would have ended up behind bars. But still, I will address the prisoners as our own kin.”

The workshop has been organised to infuse a new lease of life and happiness in prisoners. The literature is the result of a pain experienced in one’s life. The prisoners should consider their days in jail as the time for Shikshana (education) not Shikshe (punishment) and read literature. The Karnataka Sahitya Academy will be extending this unique programme to all jails in the State, said Mukund Raj.

 “Should I say, whether I was happy or not to visit the jail? I also don’t know whether you are innocent or not? But the law that exists is not a Jungle Raj. As envisaged by the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the wrong committed by anybody should be proven in the Court of Law. The accused can also argue their own case to prove their innocence. Such is the law advocated by the Constitution,” said Mukund Raj.

“Our own kin and friends end up becoming our rivals. People are being killed in the name of God, Religion and Tradition. If one understands the truth, he or she won’t resort to any criminal activities. Now, the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services is taking steps to reform the prisoners by inculcating good conduct among them. To achieve the desired purpose, prisoners must try to become human and live as human, with literature considered as one of the tools to develop such qualities,” advised Mukund Raj.

Earlier, Manu, a jail inmate recited his poetry Huchu Mana marking the inauguration of the literature workshop.

Member-Convener of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Prof. Chandrakiran Kulawadi said, it is for the first time since the inception of the Academy, a workshop is being conducted in the jail. With such a unique experiment, it is proven that the Academy is functioning amidst the people.

In his Presidential address, Chief Superintendent of Mysuru Central Prison P.S. Ramesh said that, literature is not restricted to society alone. With the intention of providing an opportunity for the jail birds to savour the sweet of literature, the workshop has been organised. The prisoners should forget their agony by reading literature and come out of their worries.

Journalist Ganesh Ameengad spoke about Ranga Chikitse (Theatre Therapy) on the occasion.

Assistant Superintendent of Prison Mohan Kumar welcomed the guests, while Premkumar, a teacher proposed vote of thanks.

Warder Gururaj Haroli compered the event.