Tihar jailbirds sing, dance during seminar

NEWDELHI: Rajbir Koli (25) served two years in Tihar Jail as an undertrial in a dowry case. The first few weeks in the jail premises were a “dark moment” for him. He felt lost and didn’t know what to do.

A couple of months later, Koli began taking part in dance competitions inside the jail. That’s when the jail staff realised his passion for dance and encouraged his participation in future events.

Koli was finally acquitted of all charges and set free in 2015. “I went inside Tihar Jail as an inmate. And I came out as a dance choreographer,” said Koli.

Nowadays, he teaches dance to students across all age groups. He said he is often called to Tihar Jail to teach dance to other inmates, for which he gets paid.

Like Koli, many former undertrials and current inmates of Tihar Jail shared their stories at a one-day seminar titled ‘Beyond Prison Walls- Conversation on Prisoners’ Rights’ on Saturday.

The prisoners raised issues that concern them the most, such as their first day in jail, bail and rehabilitation after the jail term.

Tihar Prisons in collaboration with the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi, organized the seminar at NDMC Convention Centre in Sansad Marg.

The aim of the seminar was to discuss the issues concerning the prison system and prisoners’ rights. It brought together not only jail inmates but other functionaries such as civil society organisations, academic institutions and students.

“The seminar sought to raise public consciousness on issues plaguing the system and encouraging dialogue on pre-trial and post-release concerns,” said Sanjoy Hazarika, Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.

Prisoners travelled outside the four walls of their confinement and participated in panel discussions in the presence of eminent judges, senior lawyers, police officers and prison authorities.

A group of women inmates performed a skit, highlighting the issues that impact their lives.

“We hope that through the seminar we have been able to highlight the challenges faced by prisoners. Our endeavour in Tihar Jail has been to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate the prisoners. Our aim has been to treat each inmate with dignity and respect. We hope that when they go back to society, they are able to give back,” said Sudhir Yadav, director general of Tihar.