The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : A Tirukkural a day to reform prisoners

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Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

A Tirukkural a day to reform prisoners

V.S. Palaniappan

Initiative started on January 16

Coimbatore: Coimbatore Central prison authorities have embarked on a mission to reform inmates.

Apart from introducing them to Tirukkural, there will be an effort to improve their general knowledge too.

Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Coimbatore Range, P. Munivelu, and Superintendent of Prisons (in-charge), Coimbatore Central Prison, R. Arivudainambe, started the initiative on January 16, Thiruvalluvar Day, by writing a Tirukkural a day with its meaning on the black board.

They also give chances for educated prisoners to read out Tirukkural on Public Address System.

The objective is to make a point that prisons are not just centres for punishment but are places for reforming prisoners, most of whom are victims of circumstances, say prison officials. They are confident that by imparting moral values and yoga they can refine the prisoners. The exercise also stands to prove that doors of knowledge are not shut for them in the name of imprisonment, officials point out.

Black boards

Efforts are on to have huge black boards in all the 11 blocks for convict prisoners and in the block that houses remand prisoners. The prisoners are also being encouraged to learn as many as Tirukkurals to recite on the next Tiruvalluvar Day.

Prizes

Prizes will be given to those who recite maximum number of verses.

Authorities have proposed to impart Tirukkural from “Arathuppal” and “Porutpal”.

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