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Creativity unbound

Though confined to a solitary existence, prisoners can contribute mightily to generate goodwill and camaraderie in the jail life style, and set an example to others too. This is precisely what Vinu Vincent, who was a remand prisoner at the Kozhikode District Jail till a few days ago, would accomplish.

His fellow prisoners as well as the authorities have high regard for him for his good behaviour and enterprise. A sculptor by profession, Vinu is in the process of completing a life-size cement sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi to be placed on the jail premises.

Ashokan Arippa, Superintendent of Kozhikode District Jail, says the Gandhi sculpture would be unveiled shortly. Mr. Arippa says the jail authorities were quick to respond to Vinu’s request and initiative to do the sculpture and extended all cooperation. It was not just the labour of the artist that the statue epitomised, but many more precious sentiments too, in the process.

His desire to do the sculpture that cost Rs.5,000 received positive response from the jail authorities.

A sizeable part of the fund amounting to Rs.1,500 came from fellow prisoners themselves. The peer group of prisoners in the jail contributed a monthly payment of Rs.100 each under the Suraksha Project of Kerala State Aids Control Society. Some more funds are needed, and the jail authorities are mobilising the same.

Earlier, Vinu had made another sculpture tilted `Peace’ on the jail premises. ‘Peace,’ which features a couple of doves flying out of a pair of hands, took about a week to be completed.

Forty-year-old Vinu had been lodged in the jail on an order of the Tamarassery court, following a family dispute.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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