Inmates Of Odisha’s Berhampur Circle Jail Enter Final Round Of National Dance Competition

Berhampur: A group of inmates of Berhampur Circle Jail in Odisha’s Ganjam district has qualified for the final round of a national online dance competition.

Despite the hard life and monotonous routine inside the jail, 13 prisoners aspired to show their talent in dance by participating in a competition. When the Kalantar Art Trust in Uttar Pradesh announced the online dance competition under the supervision of the state government, these inmates started working for it.

“The inmates could practise for only 3 to 4 days after getting the permission from the Director General, Jails. The dance video was uploaded in the channel subsequently and it was a joyous moment for all the staff and inmates of the jail as we came to know that our group has entered the final round,” said Dhirendranath Barik, Superintendent Berhampur Circle Jail.

The dance was choreographed and performed by the prisoners themselves. Dressed in white shirts and red neck ties, they danced to the tune of the famous Hindi song ‘Kashmir Mei Tu Kanyakumari’ from the blockbuster movie ‘Chennai Express’ starring Shah Rukh Khan.

“Their coordination, movement, choreography and perfect timing are remarkable. It is a great achievement as this success could bring in great changes in the future of these inmates,” he added.

Circle Jail in Berhampur is one of the oldest jails in Odisha which was established in 1863 during the British era. The only gallows which is functional in the Odisha jail is situated adjacent to the perimeter wall of the jail. This jail aims at reforming abnormal minds and bringing them back to the mainstream of society.