Udupi, Apr 16, 2015: On April 15 - ’Art Day’, artists created a revolution at the Udupi district jail by displaying paintings of 20 artists. Sachin Jaltare, artist from Hyderabad, gave a demonstration on art and painting to the just over hundrred inmates of the jail.
The Artists’ Forum of Udupi observed the ’World Art Day’ and this contributed to a change in the jail atmosphere. The inmates were enamoured by about 20 artists who painted pictures, made items out of terracotta and paper and did tattooing,
Purshotham Adve, president of the forum along with the artists, tried to teach some inmates how to make paper products. Inmates tried it and were keen to learn. Cartoons by artist Jeevan drew applause of the inmates and they absorbed the built in humour a great deal. Secretary of the forum Sampat Kumar Pangala said that he believed art will entertain and have very positive results on the minds and lives of the inmates.
Earlier, speaking at the inaugural function, P.V. Bhandary, psychiatrist, said that prison inmates led a solitary life and often got depressed and were prey to bad habits. A hobby such as reading, writing, gardening, or music will have great result. Exercise daily too is very important, meditating in a proper way for 10 minutes in the morning and evening will help a great deal.
Sadashiva Prabhu, jailor- in charge said that the inmates are good at drawing, painting and gardening. He hoped such activities will help change their lives for the better.