Art camp held in two prisons of Odisha ahead of World Mental Health Day

Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: The Government of Odisha has taken some key initiatives for prison upliftment. One of these steps has been to address the psychological, emotional, and mental struggles of inmates in the prisons. This initiative, led by an NGO from Bhubaneswar- Manam Foundation, is targeted at reducing recidivism, fostering guidance and healing as a measure of facilitating the reintegration of the inmates into mainstream society. Mental health experts at Manam Foundation have been conducting regular awareness, orientation, and guidance and counseling sessions for the inmates. The proactive participation of the prison officials at Chowdwar and Jharpada Special Jail needs special mention. As a part of Manam Foundation’s vision for World Mental Health day the theme being ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ an art camp was held at both the prisons for the first time ever, giving inmates an opportunity to express and share their pain, suffering, ability to display their creative side (art, poetry) with the officials facilitated by the Manam Foundation team. Essentially the camp was to overcome the lack of self-confidence, hostility, anger and depression using self-expression as a catharsis tool. It was a unique rejuvenating experience for the inmates and many of them participated wholeheartedly with their humane side through their art and interactions.  “The Department of Prisons and Correctional Services is looking forward to a more robust and healthy attitude for inmates to reduce recidivism. The core vision is to improve their quality of life and empower them for a smoother reintegration through this mental health program initiated by the department,” said an official.