The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Enjoying the freedom to sing

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Monday, Jun 30, 2008
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Enjoying the freedom to sing

Staff Reporter

‘Bhakti Sankeertana’ brings out music talent of prison inmates

Effortless ease: Vocalists Gayatri Sridhar and P. Sudakar performed with inmates of Bangalore Central Prison during ‘Bhakti Sankeertana,’ a music programme held on Saturday.

BANGALORE: At the first instance, it sounded like the intensely moving “Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Data” from film “Ankush.” But the inmates of Bangalore Central Prison gave a native touch to the bhajan by singing “Bhoo Lokadaiya Devane Saiya Solisabyada Gelisaiya”.

The prison inmates’ rendition of the Kannada song evoked the same mood as the unforgettable Hindi number, moving the hearts of those who had gathered for the programme.

This was one of the several devotional songs and Bhavageetes sung by a group of male and female inmates at “Bhakti Sankeertana,” a two-hour music programme, on Saturday morning.

The 35 inmates who gave the performance were accompanied by classical singer Gayatri Sridhar, who had trained them. The programme was organised by the Bangalore Central Prison. There was a difference in the way Ms. Sridhar started the programme. “I am glad to be here in the prison. Please listen to the performance of the inmates, who I consider as my students.”

She has been training the inmates in classical and folk styles for the programme for over a month. She began the programme with a song on Ganesha composed by Purandaradasa.

Ms. Sridhar and another vocalist P. Sudhakar took turns in singing with the male and female inmates respectively several compositions in folk style.

“These songs touch the hearts of many,” said Ms. Sridhar, who is practising as a music therapist in a Bangalore school.

Mr. Sudhakar and the male inmates presented “Sharanu Sharanu Gananayaka” in folk style. This was followed by “Namah Parvati Patinuta Janapara …” by the female inmates.

The audience clapped and swayed during the presentation of “Tingalumulagidavu Rangolibelagidavu Tayi Chowdawwana Poojegendu,” a folk song in praise of the Goddess of the place. Then was a song rendered by female inmates — “Krishna Vrudavanadi Kolalu Oodalillave” asking Lord Krishna to come to their rescue.

The two-hour programme came to an end with the presentation of “Naada Geethe” sung by the 60-odd young prison inmates.

Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) S.T. Ramesh proposed to develop an orchestra troupe in the prison.

“Many have evinced interest in learning music. Ms. Sridhar is willing to give training free of cost. We will be providing basic instruments such as tabla, harmonium and keyboard,” he said.

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