Art That Heals
May 2009
Praveen is an artist, learning from professional artists and teaching beginners. Nothing exceptional about this, except for the fact that Praveen is an inmate of Jail No.2, Central Prison, Tihar! He was charged with rape and imprisoned when only 16 but now he has found an outlet in creativity. He paints only black and white portraits and landscapes, but they are an unspoken expression of his soul, which he cannot vocally share with others. Many more like Praveen have found a lifeline in art therapy that acquaints the prisoners with a kinder and gentler side of themselves.
NGOs like Ramchander Nath Foundation and Family Vision have been working with the inmates of this prison, taking initiatives and providing therapeutic opportunities for the prisoners to express themselves through art. Thousands of adolescent prisoners have benefited from this reform initiative, grabbing a second chance at life.
The immense benefit of such steps is aptly reflected through the example of Jaiveer. The sixteen year old was a tailor before he arrived in prison. He was gifted an embroidery kit by the prison administration that proved to be all the encouragement he required. Soon he started embroidering clothes in jail. Acquitted after three years, Jaiveer now runs a successful tailoring business.
So as long as there are individuals who extend a helping hand towards reform and rehabilitation, there is hope yet for the imprisoned souls to be set free and emerge as better human beings!
-– (REF: TIMES OF INDIA)
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