Report by Santanu Ganguly; New Delhi: A unique exhibition of paintings by convicts at Tihar Jail went on display at Satyagraha Hall, Gandhi Darshan today. The painting exhibition by Sidharth Vashisht Charitable Trust (SVCT), while giving an expression to the innate feelings of convicts, has been organized to create awareness on the challenges faced by the wives and children of convicts.

The paintings, about 150 in number, will be on display on July 09 and 10 from 11am till 7pm on both the days. The paintings of a few upcoming artists supported by the trust who helped the convicts in brushing up on their artistic skills are also on display.

Ms Jaya Prada, actress and Member of Parliament inaugurated the exhibition. Prof. Zargar Zahoor, Dean Faculty of Fine Arts Jamia Millia Islamia
was the Guest of Honour. The opening of the exhibition was accompanied by a short performance by Sarangi Maestro Kamal Sabri.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Jaya Prada said that Colours of Hope is a very apt title for the exhibition as hope sustains life. By helping the wives and children of jail inmates, Sidharth Vashisht Charitable Trust is espousing a worthy cause and needs to be supported whole-heartedly.

"SVCT was launched last year after seeing the harsh realities and problems faced by the families of people sentenced to imprisonment. Particularly, the children of jailed inmates are suffering for crimes they have never committed. They also need to face the stigma that compounds their misery. These children also deserve a chance at life", said Dr Prachi Setty, sister of Sidhartha Vashisht who is steering the cause.

The trust tries to provide education to these children along with uniforms, books and medical assistance etc. So far the trust has adopted 137 children of convicts for their education along with books, uniform and medical insurance.