In a remarkable display of creativity and emotional expression, five inmates of the Ludhiana Central Jail have compiled a bouquet of poems and songs titled 'Guldasta', which was officially released on Tuesday. The collection is a heartfelt outpouring of their innermost thoughts and feelings, categorized into four distinct sections: regret and remorse, parental love, romance, religion, and pride and patriotism. The poems and songs, originally written in Punjabi, have been translated into English to reach a wider audience.
Emotional Themes Explored
The inmates have touched upon a wide range of emotions in their works. They express love and apology to their parents, seek mercy from God, speak out against crimes against women, and address the issue of youth being drawn to violence. Some of the poignant titles include 'Maa tera putt ladla, phas gya jail vich' (Mother, your cherished son is trapped in jail), 'Bappu fikar na kari' (Father, don't worry), 'Jake border te ladd' (Go fight at the border), and 'Told de zanjeeran wale bann dateya' (Become like those with iron chains).
Initiative by NGO
This creative endeavor has been spearheaded by an NGO that not only encourages inmates to write but also facilitated the printing of the book. The collection is now available for sale online, with proceeds likely supporting rehabilitation efforts. The inmates who contributed to the book include Gurinder Singh alias 'Rozi Dhootan wala', an undertrial in a drug-peddling case; Yogesh Kumar Bawa, a convict in a theft case; Kamalpreet Singh, an undertrial in a theft case; Kuldeep Singh Meena, convicted under the NDPS Act; and Gurpreet Singh Lucky, an undertrial in a murder case.
Personal Stories Behind the Poems
Yogesh Kumar Bawa, facing conviction in a theft case lodged in 2025, wrote a touching poem addressed to his mother. He wonders when he will get bail and be able to meet her. The poem reads: 'Maaye tera putt ladla, aj faseya peya ae vich jail. Vichon Vichi jave sukda, pata nai kad honi ae bail. Maadi Kismat nikali maaye, nikale si maade mere lekh. Aayi na tu mulakaat te, haal putt da hona ai tethon dekh.' (Mother, your cherished son lies trapped in jail. He withers from within, not knowing when he will get bail. My fate is cruel, mother, my destiny is flawed. Do not come to visit me, your son's state you will not be able to see.)
Another inmate, Kamalpreet Singh alias Kamal Chauhan, in his poem envisions becoming his father's supporting pillar to lift the family out of poverty. His poems are titled 'Baapu Fikar Na Kari' (Father, don't worry) and 'Baapu Chakani Garibi tere sir ton' (Father, I will remove poverty from your head).
This initiative not only provides a creative outlet for the inmates but also serves as a means of rehabilitation and self-reflection. The NGO's efforts highlight the potential for art to transform lives, even within the confines of a prison.
