Music strikes right chord in Tihar jail

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I always wanted to be a choreographer and musician, but life brought me here instead,” says Amit Saxena, 32, an undertrial who has been behind bars for the past seven years. But it seems like Amit’s dream is soon going to come true as Tihar Jail has recently started music classes for inmates.
“I did my graduation from KMC (DU). I was into music and performed in many local gigs. But life had something else in store for me. With these music classes, I’m happy to pursue my passion again. Music changes my thought process. Every day it instills hope in us,” he adds, saying that after his jail term gets over he would like to launch his music album.
And to fulfill such dreams, jail authorities have set up a music room in every sub-jail of Tihar, with tablas, harmoniums, dholaks and flutes for the inmates. Each class accommodates around 20-25 students and is scheduled for three hours every day.
“Music motivates the inmates and uplifts their spirit. It’s the biggest healer and anti-depressant and therefore, we have introduced these classes. With emphasis on rehabilitation and corrective action, the classes aim to make the inmates tension-free and ease the hostile environment where prisoners often fight with each other,” said Tihar PRO Sunil Kumar Gupta.
Authorities have also roped in professional music teachers. Surjan Nirwan, of the NGO Divya Jyoti Jagrathi Sansthan and one of the teachers in Tihar, says, “It’s a part of Prisoners’ Reformation and Rehabilitation Program started by our NGO. They learn classical and western instruments along with vocal music. We start with basics like teaching them taal and scales. We only teach them motivational and spiritual music.”
There’s no denying the fact that the music classes have struck a chord with the inmates. “When I came here, I used to feel lonely and depressed. Once I had even attempted suicide. But the first attempt at learning music was an amazing experience. Learning ‘sa-re-ga-ma-pa’ was like meditation. Other than the classes, I do riyaaz whenever I get time,” says Chandrashekar Sharma, who is learning to play the harmonium and has been in jail for eight years.
And then there are others who after receiving their first music lessons in jail have now begun composing tracks. They also have a music band called ‘Flying Souls’. Bhagirath, who is learning to play the guitar and is a big fan of Sonu Nigam, says, “We perform in many music nights in Tihar. Recently, we had a qawwali performance and Iftar music night. Although I’m not very good with instruments, I love singing and writing songs. It’s like a fresh breath of life for us, a vent for emotions, pain, guilt and fear that’s stored in my heart for years,” adds Bhagirath who has been in jail for the last 10 years.
Interestingly, NGOs too have tied up with Tihar to help inmates take up a career in music once their term gets over. “Whoever wants to make a career in music after they’re out, can come to us. We will help them become good singers, composers and music directors. We’re also planning to come out with an album of songs composed by them soon,” says music teacher Surjan.