More than 130 paintings by inmates of the Surat Central Jail were sold for Rs 11 lakh at a first-of-its-kind exhibition held by the jail authorities in the city over the weekend.
The paintings were done by 51 prisoners and were purchased by Surat-based businessman and chairman of KP Group (solar energy) Faruk Patel.
According to Indian Express Central jail Superintendent J M Desai, Surat said that Out of the total money generated, 50 per cent will go to the Prisoners' Welfare Fund in the jail, while the remaining will transfer to the bank account of prisoners and to their families.
The exhibition started on August 19 and was officially opened by Harsh Sanghavi, the Minister of State for Home, at the Vanita Vishram School Art Gallery located in the Athwalines district. It immediately became a good success and attracted a large number of visitors.
For the first time, an exhibition of paintings by Surat Central jail prisoners is being organised. Similar exhibitions were held in the past, such as for Sabarmati jail prisoners in Ahmedabad. The prison department is conducting various activities to change prisoners' lifestyles across the state. In Surat, two prisoners trained their peers in painting. Raw materials were provided by the prison department, according to ADGP Prisons Dr K L N Rao.
The exhibition was held to showcase the talent of the inmates and to raise funds for their welfare. The paintings were priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 25,000. The chairman of KP Group (solar energy) Faruk Patel stated the reason to purchase all the paintings, as he will present these paintings as Diwali gifts. In his word, the painting of PM Modi will be sent to the PM"s Office and that of Amit Shah to the home department office. Another portrait of President Murmu's painting will be sent to the President's office.
Apart from teaching painting, the prison staff also offer lessons in various skills like cutting and polishing diamonds, working with textiles, electrician training, and more. The sales of these paintings are a testament to the talent of the inmates, and they also help to raise funds for their welfare. This is a positive initiative by the jail authorities, and it is hoped that it will continue in the future.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
