Following the examples of Tihar and Vellor Central Prisons, which have their own music troupes, Central Prison at Poojappura here has launched a music club. Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Kollam, Stanley Roman, handed over musical instruments to jail inmates at a function organised on the prison premises on Saturday. The instruments include a keyboard, guitar, violin, tabla, drum set, rhythm pad, flute, and sound systems.“A room is dedicated for music-related activities at the Velloor and Tihar prisons. We too have prisoners who are proficient in singing and interested in playing a few musical instruments. That is why we decided to form a music club,” said Jail Superintendent B. Pradeep.
Pratheeksha Telephone Prayer Ministry, Kollam, a charitable organisation, has sponsored the musical instruments that cost Rs.6 lakh. Mr. Pradeep said the organisation had been conducting prayer sessions for prisoners on Easter and other religious occasions for the past 12 years. “When the idea of forming a music club struck, it helped us with the instruments and has also agreed to give music lessons to interested prisoners. If the government gives us sanction, the prison will soon roll out its own music troupe,” he said.
