Pandit Arvind Kumar plays the harmonium during one of his music sessions in Tihar Jail

It may not be Lady Gaga or Ricky Martin performing in Delhi, but for Tihar Jail inmates, it’s happy time behind the bars — even if for a few hours. In one of the unique stories of passion that has something to do using his own credibility, Pandit Arvind Kumar has been visiting Tihar Jail on a regular basis to fulfill his newfound motive-cum-enthusiasm in life — taking the prisoners, most serving long sentences for serious violent crimes, out of depression and sorrow.

Guruji, as called by the inmates, has been giving them music sessions on a regular basis since 2011 so that the prisoners too can enjoy moments of their life and come out of the pain and loneliness they feel behind bars.
“I have been visiting Tihar Jail since November 2011 and have been giving regular music sessions to inmates in ward no 2, 4, 8 and 9. At first, very few inmates were around while I played on my harmonium and sang bhajans, but with time, their number has increased manifold,” says Guruji.

He says that he wants to change the heart of these people with his bhajans and light music. He believes that if Daku Angulimal can later on become Maharshi Valmiki because of good conduct and choosing the right path, why can’t these people leave the wrong path and follow the road that would lead them to a peaceful life.
In Guruji’s words: “Ye log jo salon se yahan bandh hain, main in logon ke dil aur dimag ko shant karna chahata hun. Aakhir ye bhi log hain aur inhe bhi khush rehne ka hak hai” (I want to make the mind and heart of these people in jail free of the tension. They are also human beings and they also have the right to be happy.)

For Bishnu Kant, who was in the jail for a long time, Guruji’s music is a welcome break from the prison routine and it has changed his whole view of life. He has taken music very seriously and has even started taking coaching classes after he was released from jail some time ago.

Mesmerising bhajans like Sant Kabir Das’ Mann lago mero yaar fakiri mein or Sumiran karle mere mann, tu sumiran karle mere mann are often heard while one crosses the jail.

The accuracy of Guruji’s notes in a crystal clear voice were amazing, as was the unparalleled khayal gayaki style that he has imbibed from Guru Pandit L.K. Pandit of the Gwalior Gharana. Guruji is one of the very few musicians today who can render the difficult genre of thumri — the singing that demands a great variety of expression, a dramatic rendering and the ability to enthrall the audience with an understanding of the poetry being sung — with simplicity and grace.

Holding a degree in Sangeet Praveen (equivalent to MA in music) from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Guruji runs an NGO — Swar Sadhna Foundation — which works in Delhi and NCR region and provides weekly music classes without demanding any money.

“In the eight hours of my daily work, I work six hours to earn money and help my family survive. I utilise the extra two hours for social work, which includes music session to physically handicapped or blind children or spending time with Tihar prisoners,” says Guruji.

Things have certainly come a long way from the early 1990s when Kiran Bedi, as inspector-general, prisons, initiated radical reforms in the jail by introducing yoga and meditation for inmates, tie-ups with the National Open School and Indira Gandhi National Open University, music performances and vocational training. Since then successive director-generals have added their finesse to jail reforms.

Though Indian prisons have a reputation for violence and crimes, today many innovative measures have been introduced by jail authorities to let the prisoners learn some skills to earn their livelihood after their release. The women’s wing at Tihar Jail has a creche and children under six can stay with their mothers in prison.

Guruji also had his share of struggle in the early days when he had to come to Shantiniketan in Kolkata for lessons on music. Because of monetary issues, he had to live in Pandit Sunil Bhattacharjee’s home till 1991, where he took further lessons on music. He shifted to Delhi in 1992 and started taking music lessons from Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit from the Gwalior gharana. Whatever may be the circumstances, Guruji’s never-say-die attitude helped him overcome all the troubles and agony that life had it in store.

He says, “In today’s world when everyone is running after money, I would like to do something for the poor, depressed and physically challenged people with my music.”

Giving the example of his own story, Guruji says, “In my childhood days, I stammered, but it is only because of my dedication and riyaaz that today I am able to speak to you without any difficulty. I want to help those people who want to move forward, grow and show the world that we can do it.”

True, the happiest person is not one who gets the best of everything but is one who makes the best of everything.