Date:11/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/11/stories/2009011153950500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A magazine for and by prisoners

S. Vijay Kumar

‘Ul Oli,’ to be launched on the Pongal day, will focus on constructive issues, besides entertainment

An editorial board comprising eight inmates has been constituted
Every article will be scrutinised by prison officials

CHENNAI: It will be a magazine for the prisoners, of the prisoners and by the prisoners.

‘Ul Oli’ (light from inside), a monthly in-house magazine of the nine central prisons in the State, will be launched on the Pongal day.

According to sources in the Prison Department, an editorial board comprising eight inmates, including six life convicts, has been constituted to select, edit and clear articles written by prisoners for publication.

While Santhan, a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who is facing death sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, will represent the Vellore central prison, Kunnangudi R.M. Hanifa, leader of the All-India Jihad Committee and an accused in bomb blast cases, has been chosen from the Puzhal central prison (II), Chennai.

Literary skills

“The selection was based purely on merit. All those nominated to the board have demonstrated their literary skills on many occasions. They have written poems, essays and short stories while being in prison. Santhosh Kumar, an inmate of the Borstal School, is also on the board,” a prison official said.

Director-General of Prisons R. Natraj said the magazine would be printed and published by the prisoners. “A few foreign nationals lodged in different prisons have also volunteered to write. Besides entertainment, the focus will be on constructive issues. Every article will be scrutinised by prison officials before the magazine goes to press.”

60 granted parole

In the Tiruchi central prison, 60 inmates have been granted parole to visit their family for Pongal. “We will be giving them a gift pack that will include rice, jaggery and sweets. About 150 women lodged in the special prison will get new saris that are being distributed in association with voluntary organisations.”

Mr. Natraj said visitors would be allowed to meet prisoners on January 14 and 16. “We have organised Pongal celebration in the traditional style in all prisons. The children of all inmates will be given new clothes.”