Art of living

Called Prayash,the exhibition was organised by the directorate of correctional services,Government of West Bengal and NGOs Flight to Harmony Foundation and Chatushkon.

“The aim of the exhibition is to give an opportunity to both inmates and students of the art college to learn from each other. We believe even the students of the art colleges have a lot to learn from the inmates,how they see life, their travails. We also want the inmates to learn from the students,’’ Ranvir Kumar,IG,Prisons,who inaugurated the exhibition,said.

The correctional services,with a view to reforming inmates took several initiatives,which included organising plays and dance-dramas along with painting. Earlier,paintings of inmates were displayed at exhibitions at various galleries which snagged laurels from critics and connoisseurs alike.

Nandita Saha,23,an undertrial accused said the response they got from teachers and students was motivating and overwhelming. “Four years ago,I made a mistake and since then I have been lodged in this jail. But it was my brush with paint and canvas that changed my life and now I can keep aside my past and engage myself,’’ Saha said.

Supriya Banerjee,of Andal,Burdwan said,“Painting has been a medium for me through which I can express my feelings,my pain and agony. I am grateful to the jail department for giving me this opportunity to paint my pains and put them on display. Even if one out of 10 like my work,I believe my mission is successful.’’ Supriya added.