Bhondsi jail launches talent hunt to help inmates turn musicians
GURGAON: To provide an alternate means of livelihood by allowing a free expression of creativity and talent behind bars, the authorities at Bhondsi jail are now providing opportunities to inmates 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.
“This project is initiated to not only promote the inmates’ talent, but also to upskill and groom them in various creative pursuits, including music. We want to give them a platform to showcase their talent and make sure they reach new heights. We will also enable them to open training schools to groom and harness musical talents on release,” Monica Dhawan, director, Indian Vision Foundation, an NGO associated with the project, said.
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. Of the 2,178 inmates, only 100 managed to clear various rounds of auditions. Of them, 20 have been selected for a professional oneyear training.
A production and television house, in collaboration with the India Vision Foundation, is organising 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.