The biggest psychological restriction about being in prison is the mere fact that most of the time you are not entitled to what you need. An inmate doesn’t get a chance to choose. Amenities provided for them are no match to those in the outside world. But policy designs to deal with those who break the law are changing. Viyyur Central jail, one of the three Central Prison and Correction Homes in the state is making a big difference by providing its inmates with an FM Radio station called Freedom Melody Radio. Inmates can listen to their favourite songs, expert advice on law and health, and daily film discussions, making it the first among the state's prisons to allow that.
Viyyur Central Prison is already known for its noticeable initiatives in the past. Freedom Melody Radio, is exclusive for the jail inmates, and once again they are becoming a model for every other jail in the state. For the last five days, jail inmates have been spending their time listening to their own radio service. “The aim was to give some sort of rehabilitation for the inmates. As part of our numerous programmes, we have been thinking about the radio station for months. When we agreed upon the idea, we sought approval from the government. The state government, especially jail IG Sreelekha IPS backed us and thus we were able to start the radio station," says prison welfare officer O.J. Thomas.
Central Jail, Viyyur
Though the name is Freedom Melody Radio, the functioning of the service is different from other FM stations. The service is exclusive for the inmates and the public cannot access it. The FM is entirely run by the inmates as well. Several speakers have been installed in every barrack for the inmates to listen to the broadcast. “This radio station is entirely for the prisoners and is operated by selected inmates. Programmes like special song requests, health features, and spiritual renditions will be played for them," said Vinod, jail superintendent. Special performances from Viyyur jail’s own music band — Freedom Melody Band — are also aired through the station. Since its inception in June 2017, the band has been performing for the inmates. When the idea of prison radio came up, band members requested to be part of it and asked to perform for their fellow prisoners.
The officers believe that it's not just about the quality of music, but also the change the music has brought to the lives of these people, who are otherwise law-breakers for the rest of the world. “The prime goal is to rehabilitate and correct the law-breakers. After their time in the jail, most of the convicts face alienation and indifference from the society and there is a chance for them to get into more troubles. We hope that providing them with a healthy atmosphere, and enough amenities inside the jail will help to shape good persons out of them. Just like our other initiatives, this one also has started to get good response from the inmates. From the second day of the airing, we installed boxes on each corner of the ten blocks in the jail. The inmates can submit their request for programmes they want to listen to. They are requesting for expert advice on legal and health matters, which is a good sign,” says Thomas.
Programme volunteers.
“What’s the best way to escape from prison?” is an old joke popular among inmates. It is all about the rehabilitation of a person. Things have changed a lot, and more amenities and programmes are being provided to prisoners these days. Apart from the radio, Viyyur Central Prison also has more creative ideas in the pipeline. “A magazine named Punarjani that is written by the inmates will be published soon. Also, a documentary titled Mathilukalkappuram is in progress. We believe that these are essential to every prisoner's rehabilitation rather than a privilege to be earned. It’s vital that they are able to develop their positivity in prison and engagement in these kind of activities,” concludes Thomas.
