On January 20, 2017, inmates from several prisons of Kolkata, India got together for an all day Art Camp at Mohor Kunj. The project was organized by Directorate of Correctional Services, West Bengal, SHURU Kolkata, sister organization of HOPE IN LIFE FOUNDATION, USA, Rotary Club of Calcutta Millennium and Flight to Harmony Foundation. Mr. Shibaji Ghosh, Principal Secretary and DG IG Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta were present during the inauguration and closing ceremonies. Other sponsors included Rotary Calcutta Dhakuria, Reliance JIO Infocomm Ltd. and Kolkata Municipal Corporation. This is the 3rd opportunity for SHURU KOLKATA to lend support to a vulnerable community that deserves a second chance. SHURU KOLKATA would specially like to thank AMERICAN WOMEN FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING (www.awiu.org) for their grant support that have made the project series possible. The projects give inmates the opportunity to interact with civilians, share their creative side (art, poetry etc.), learn social skills, overcome shyness, restore self-confidence and build self esteem. Catharsis and healing lies at the foundation of these projects.
The theme of the project was ‘Empowerment Through Art’ where prisoners from various prisons of West Bengal were brought together at Academy of Fine Arts, a historic venue for purposes of self expression and empowerment. The event was held on Monday, December 28, 2015 in Kolkata. The project was supported by West Bengal Correctional Facilities, Flight to Harmony Foundation and Shuru Kolkata. Mr. A.K. GUPTA – IPS, ADG & IG of Correctional Services, West Bengal and Sri Haider Aziz Safwi, Hon’ble Minister In-Charge of Correctional Admin. Department attended the event.
