The historic Gaiety Theatre, witnessed for the first time ever, a live musical concert and cultural show by inmates of Nahan Jail who rendered their appealing voice to variant folk songs of Himachal including Qawallis and Sufiana songs of old Bollywood movies mesmerizing the audience.Such an initiative by Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services provided a maiden platform to as many as 10 jail inmates to fine-tune their musical skills. Out of 10 prisoners, five were undergoing life sentence under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 302, two were facing trial under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act (NDPS) and others were facing trial under section 376 and 354 IPC.Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh presided over the musical evening organized by the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services at Gaiety Theatre on late Monday evening.Appreciating the performance by prisoners, Chief Minister said that it was really a wonder to watch them performing so well. He said that he was happy to see that it was for the first time that the prisoners had been given a chance to perform at historic Gaiety theatre which had witnessed some riveting musical and theatrical performances by renowned artists and singers of the country in the past.He also lauded the efforts of the DGP Prisons, Shri Somesh Goyal for having taken such an initiative.
The Chief Minister said that it was a step forward to rehabilitate the prisoners by giving them a chance to give their first outdoor musical performance. “The goal behind should be to ensure that music and a connection with music is available to anyone, anywhere, regardless of circumstance and geographical boundaries," said the Chief Minister. He said that such musical concerts, cultural and recreational programmes should be made a routine affair.He also congratulated those few prisoners who had pursued higher studies while serving the trials and said that they should be given adequate education while in jails.The Chief Minister also honoured the performers.Shri Somesh Goyal, DGP Prisons and Correctional Services, after welcoming the Chief Minister on the occasion also briefed about the activities being undertaken by the jail inmates and the training provided to them for manufacturing and selling various household items including beverages. An exhibition of such products was also displayed for sale thereby adding to the income of prisoners while serving trial.MLA, Shri Anirudh Singh, DGP Shri Sanjay Kumar, I.G. Police, Shri Zahur H Zaidi, Superintendent of Prison, Nahan, Shri J.G.Lodta were also present on the occasion amongst senior Police and Civil officers.