Page 13 - Auro Model Prison Activities

➢ CASE STUDY

• Nazeer, an inmate who never spoke a word since the time he came inside the jail

expressed his thoughts and feelings for the first time. He made a black and white picture
of a boat and a tree without leaves. He shared that he felt like that tree because his life

had become barren like the tree inside the jail. He also mentioned how he felt relieved

after sharing and speaking about something that he has suppressed for so long.
• Valli, a lady prisoner, made a picture of a mother and child. She shared her feelings of

longing for his son who is 5 years old and how difficult it was for her to spend time

away from her son. She also expressed that putting her feeling out on a paper and add
value to her experience.

• Shakti expressed how he felt validated for his story. He said that he felt heard and seen
and more than that he felt like an ordinary human being, someone who is deserving of

happiness and love just like any other individual.

➢ OUTCOME

Human beings are relational beings. The need for connection lies at the very foundation

of our existence. It results from the profound interdependence we all share with one another.

Giving them a voice, a new label, a sense of self through such sessions, would help them
to rise above the quagmire they have found themselves. And art can help that happen. Bringing

art therapy inside the walls is an act of social justice. Such sessions will be regularly conducted

in order to maintain the consistency and the involvement of the inmates.

Activities in the Central Prison, Kalapet 13 │ Page