Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 23: A prison is often perceived as a symbol of punishment, restrictions, and isolation. However, at the Mangaluru prison, an undertrial inmate has drawn widespread attention through his remarkable artistic talent.
Surendran, who was lodged in prison four months ago in connection with a family-related case, has earned appreciation from prison staff and visitors alike for his impressive paintings. He is being assisted in his work by two other undertrial inmates, Vinoj and Shakir.
Surendran has skillfully created portraits of several eminent personalities, including Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. He has also vividly portrayed the cultural heritage of the coastal region through paintings depicting Yakshagana and Kambala. The use of colours, realistic facial expressions, and artistic detailing in his works have left viewers impressed.
Prison superintendent Sharanabasappa, who is also a singer, has encouraged Surendran by providing paints, brushes, and other materials required for painting. This support has enabled him to further express and develop his artistic abilities.
Prison officials observed that every individual possesses a unique talent and that identifying and nurturing such abilities helps build confidence. They noted that activities of this nature play a significant role in the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
According to officials, Surendran’s paintings are not merely works of art but also convey a message about the possibilities of transformation in life. His creations stand as an example of how talent can flourish even within prison walls when given an opportunity.
Prisons are generally regarded as places where accused persons or convicts serve their sentences and undergo reform. In many cases, those who enter prison due to criminal allegations or offences become disconnected from their artistic pursuits and hobbies. Opportunities to identify and encourage such talents, especially among undertrial prisoners, are rare. However, the undertrial prison in Mangaluru presents a different picture.
Sharanabasappa, superintendent of Mangaluru prison, said that Surendran remained withdrawn and rarely spoke to anyone after entering the prison. During interactions with him, officials discovered that he was a hobby artist. Initially, he was asked to draw on paper, and his artistic skills surprised the prison authorities. Subsequently, he was encouraged to paint portraits of great personalities on the prison walls, to which he agreed. Necessary paints and brushes were provided, and over the past 10 days, he has completed several large-scale murals on the walls.