Chhatrapur: An under-trial prisoner lodged at Chhatrapur sub-jail in Ganjam district has set an example for others by becoming self-reliant. During his tenure in prison he is designing colourful earthen pots and also selling them to earn money. A resident of Malad village under Ganjam police limits, R Chittaranjan was arrested in connection with a rape case in 2017 and has since been lodged in the Chhatrapur sub-jail.
These days, Chittaranjan is busy with colours and brushes. On any day, he can be found busy creating designs on pots. And these pots have many takers at ‘Ganjam Haat’, promoted by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Mission Shakti and Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM).
Beautiful colour combinations and aesthetic designs and patterns on the pots are Chittaranhan’s hallmark. Buyers instantly fall in love with his work at the first glance.
Asked how his hidden talent was spotted, jail superintendent Subhasmita Biswal narrated an incident. “A few days ago, Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange paid a visit to the sub-jail. While going around the campus, he was attracted by some wall paintings. He was eager to know who did the paintings. He was taken aback when he learnt about the skills of an under-trial prisoner,” Biswal informed. This incident proved to be a turning point in Chittaranjan’s life.
At Ganjam haat, earthen pots are sold to store molasses. Chittaranjan was entrusted with the job of making these pots attractive. Since painting has been his passion, he readily accepted the offer and put his heart and soul into the job.
“We provided him colours and brushes. ORMAS procured earthen pots from a women’s association at Niladripur village under Ganjam block and the same were provided to Chittaranjan,” said Biswal.
“Chittaranjan is capable of colouring a maximum of six to seven pots per day and each earns him Rs 15. So far, he has painted over 500 pots. Most importantly, the job has resulted in a lot of changes in his behaviour,” she added.
A total of 167 under-trial prisoners are currently housed at Chhatrapur sub-jail. Among them, 164 are males and the rest are women.
Learning from Chittaranjan’s success story, the jail authorities have decided to train other inmates also. They will be taught how to prepare jackfruit chips and brooms so that they don’t face difficulties in becoming self-reliant when they are released from the prison.