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Painting a better future

Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR: Thirty-two-year-old Ajay Bhanja constantly keeps trying to forget whatever sins he has committed in the past. Painting, which he has chosen as a medium to live through the traumatic years ahead, might now bring laurels for him at the national level.

Lodged in Jharpada Special Jail here since 2003, Bhanja re-christened himself in the jail reform regime. The jailbird, who hails from Barang on the city's outskirt, came to the prison due to a momentary madness, which he did not want to reveal.

Hidden talent

Bhanja now loves to talk more about the fine distinctions in painting and shaping statues of different gods and goddesses. He can translate his imagination beautifully on papers through pencil shades. He was not a born artist but discovered his hidden talent after coming in contact with another jail inmates.

Painting, which he initially used as a tool to kill his time, now gives him a ray of hope to make things better. Within a short span of time, Bhanja has mastered the art form. The painting based on concept of `Unity in Diversity' won him third prize in the competition organised by Prison Ministry, a voluntary organisation, at Bangalore in 2005.

"I have already sent another set of pictures to get the first prize this time," an excited Bhanja said.

Sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment, the young man is looking up to develop the art form as his main avocation once he is released from the jail.

The Jharpada jail authorities were also happy with the good turn around in the life of this inmate. Jail Superintendent Prasant Das said, "we are happy that he seems to have reformed himself. But most heartening aspect in the success story is that the young man has created positive vibes on the premises."

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