On Independence Day, Viyyur Central Prison Inmates Became RJs at Mirchi

KOCHI:
In a touching and innovative initiative, inmates from the Viyyur Central Prison and Correction Home in Thrissur took over the airwaves of Radio Mirchi on Thursday, becoming Radio Jockeys (RJs) and sharing their reflections on hope and freedom. The program, Mathilukalkkappuram (Beyond the Walls), was organised in collaboration with the Department of Kerala Prisons & Correctional Services, aiming to provide a platform for prisoners to share their thoughts and experiences.

Selected prisoners hosted shows, played their favourite music, and engaged with prison authorities and inmates, bringing a fresh and heartfelt perspective to the radio from 7 AM to 7 PM. In one of the shows, Rijo, an inmate serving a life sentence, poignantly shared, “If I had good friends in life, maybe I and many other inmates would not have ended up here.”

Balram Kumar Upadhyay, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, emphasised the transformative power of such initiatives. “Art has the power to correct mistakes in life, and I hope this program motivates many inmates to walk into a new world of love and independence,” he said. “Life experiences and imprisonment give prisoners a deeper understanding of freedom. Hence, we found the idea by Radio Mirchi very interesting. I firmly believe that the words of the inmates about freedom definitely gave you a new perspective,” Upadhyay further elaborated.

Congratulating the crew members of Radio Mirchi, Anil Kumar K, Superintendent, CP & CH, Viyyur, said, “The voice of the inmates, who are awaiting freedom, being broadcasted through Mirchi, is very impressive and innovative. The training by the Mirchi team also helped improve the operations of Freedom Melody, the prison radio that we run.”

Lakshmi Somanathan, Content Leader, Kerala, said, “Radio is a powerful medium that can bridge gaps and foster understanding. We are excited to provide these individuals with a platform to share their stories and also remind everyone of the value of freedom.”

Ajith U, Business Director, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, added, “This initiative was a testament to the enduring human spirit. By providing these inmates with a platform to share their reflections, we not only wanted to offer them a chance to express themselves but also give our listeners a unique perspective on the meaning of freedom. It’s projects like these that highlight the true impact of radio.”

This event not only highlighted the potential for reform within the prison system but also reinforced the idea that everyone deserved a platform to share their stories. It was a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of hope in the most unlikely places.