Tihar jail introduces morning ragas for inmates

Asia's largest prison complex, Tihar Jail, on Monday introduced its inmates to 'morning ragas' to augment their rehabilitation process.

Tihar Jail Director General Alok Kumar Verma took the initiative in collaboration with Legends of India, a registered society organising live performances of renowned artistes.

Grammy nominee Pandit Ronu Majumdar, who figures in the Guinness World Records, performed on the inaugural occasion on Monday in the presence of almost 2,000 inmates.

Majumdar began his recital with Ahir Bhairav followed by a "pahari dhun" and two popular compositions -- Mahatma Gandhi's "Vaishnava Jana To" and Rabindranath Tagore's "Ekla Chalo Re".

He was accompanied by Kalpesh Sachala on the flute and Ustad Akram Khan on the tabla.

"The subtle nuances of the flute, a rhythmic jugalbandi between the flute and the tabla mesmerized the prison inmates to the extent that they not only joined the chorus but some of the inmates later expressed their desire to learn music in prison," said Verma.

The prison official announced that this shall now be a monthly feature with immediate effect.

Verma said the purpose of conducting the "morning ragas" with sessions of sublime music was to release the inmates from the tyranny of conscious thought.

"Our efforts shall help inmates guide themselves bringing in positivity into their lives and to rejuvenate them," he said.