Embroidery at Cuddalore Central Prison

No bar on them in unfettering creativity and mastering art - The Hindu

Special Correspondent

19 life term convicts learn the art of embroidery at Cuddalore Central Prison

— Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Changing patterns: Inmates of Cuddalore Central Prison learning the ropes of embroidery in a training session.

CUDDALORE: It is paradoxical but true that the persons whose raw passion has landed them in trouble and pushed them behind bars are mastering intricate needle works.

They believe that learning the art of embroidery will occupy them fully and eliminate the thinking that they are simply slogging within the four walls of the prison.

This is the domineering feeling of a batch of 19 convicts who are serving their life term in the Cuddalore Central Prison. Instead of whiling away time and brooding over misfortunes these inmates are eager to learn certain skills that would give them a sort of solace and a sense of direction and purpose in life.

Jail Superintendent R.Kanagaraj told The Hindu that the authorities were favourably disposed to the idea of the inmates taking up certain skill-oriented pursuits.

Grabbing the opportunity a 45-year-old inmate Krishnaraj (name changed to camouflage the identity), a lifer in a murder case, mooted the idea of starting an embroidery training centre in the prison.

Before conviction Krishnaraj was in the trade for years and hence, he was well versed to assume the role of the trainer. Soon, 18 other inmates had expressed their willingness to learn the ropes.

Therefore, the jail authorities procured them the required materials such as pieces of colourful cloth, needles and chumkis. The Jail Superintendent said it was a highly creative work meant for those who have the patience to sit through for hours together.

0They undergo the training with the hope that after their release they could take up the trade to lead a dignified life.

In the carpentry section 20 other inmates were busy cutting the wooden reapers and nailing them to make rectangular boxes. A private fabric dealer at Kurinjipadi had provided the materials from which the boxes of required sizes were being made.

For every completed box Rs.8 was being given as wages. Satisfied with the finished products the dealer had promised to place orders continuously.

The Jail Superintendent said such profitable occupation enabled the inmates to overcome the remorse of their misdeeds and instilled in them the hope that once out of the prison they could take up decent living.