The authorities of Bhondsi jail in association with India Vision Foundation are planning to organise a talent hunt programme for the inmates. This will be a platform for them to express their skills and aptitude for music and explore possibilities of pursuing a career in music after completion of their jail tenure.
It will take approximately a year to create or organise the supporting facilities and infrastructure for this talent hunt project, called Dhun. India Vision Foundation will arrange for instruments like casio, harmonium, sitar, guitar, drums and tabla. The inmates shall be coached by music teachers and given the liberty to choose the instruments of their choice.
According to a jail authority, after participating in this programme, inmates (after completing their jail sentence) can explore career options in the domain of music. While some can become music teachers, others can become musicians. "The prospect of becoming celebrities in the domain of music is also there for the ones who demonstrate exceptional talent and aptitude," he said.
The jail authorities are clear that while not all inmates shall explore careers in music, this talent hunt programme shall translate to a positive engagement for all.
Speaking about the initiative, Monica Dewan, a member of India Vision Foundation, said, “Our primary objective is to keep these inmates away from criminal activities, and music definitely is a route to channelise their energies in a positive direction.”
Adding to this, Jai Kumar Chillar, jailor and superintendent of Bhondsi jail, added, “A leading channel will be an integral part of the Dhun project. There are huge costs involved and even some corporate firms are planning to engage with us through their CSR divisions.”
A room for rehearsals has already been allotted on the Bhondsi jail premises.
