Trichy Prison Authorities Launch Book Donation Drive at Annual Fair
In a commendable initiative aimed at fostering rehabilitation and personal growth, prison authorities in Trichy are actively seeking book donations to support self-motivation, reform, and academic advancement among inmates. A dedicated stall has been established at the ongoing fourth annual book fair in the city, providing a convenient platform for the public to contribute.
Book Fair Details and Prison Stall Location
The Trichy district administration, in collaboration with the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), is organizing the fair from February 14 to 22 at the John Vestry Higher Secondary School grounds near the Central Bus Stand. The prison donation stall, which is operating for the fourth consecutive year, is strategically positioned at Slot No. 43 to maximize visibility and accessibility for visitors.
Strong Community Response and Impact on Inmates
Since the fair commenced, the initiative has garnered significant community support, with approximately 70 visitors generously contributing over 400 books. These donated titles will be integrated into the prison library, which is utilized daily by more than 100 inmates seeking knowledge and inspiration.
S Velmurugan, a dedicated teacher who has been serving at Trichy Central Prison for 18 years, emphasized the profound impact of reading on inmates. He noted that many inmates regularly borrow books to read in their cells, highlighting how these donations can play a pivotal role in helping individuals improve themselves, nurture academic interests, and achieve positive reform.
Diverse Educational Backgrounds and Pursuits
The prison houses a diverse population of both convicts and undertrials with varied educational backgrounds, ranging from school-level education to graduates in arts, science, engineering, and management. Several inmates are actively pursuing distance education courses through esteemed institutions like Tamil Nadu Open University and Indira Gandhi National Open University, underscoring their commitment to personal and academic development.
Expert Insights and Book Genre Preferences
Dr M A Aleem, a prominent neurologist from Trichy, recently donated his book Our Brain Our Future to the cause. He highlighted that cultivating regular reading habits among inmates could also help delay the onset of dementia, adding a health perspective to the initiative.
Authorities reported receiving books across a wide array of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and self-help. Velmurugan further elaborated that prisoners would benefit immensely from more books focused on personal development, philosophy, motivation, spirituality, creativity, and productivity, as these topics can significantly aid in their rehabilitation journey.
This ongoing effort not only enriches the prison library but also symbolizes a community-driven approach to inmate reform, encouraging a culture of learning and self-improvement within the correctional facility.
