Cell-ebrity singers debut, locked up lyrics set free: Inmates find new hope through music initiative in Ludhiana central jail.
On Friday, as India marked Independence Day, Yogesh, 32, and Charanjit Singh, 39, saw their first song, Baapu (Father), launched online under a project titled 'Voice Behind Bars'. Written by Yogesh and sung by Charanjit, the track was recorded inside jail with support from Chandigarh-based NGO Welba Foundation. The Punjabi song reflects on a son's memories of his father, recalling birthdays, childhood moments and the emotional bond they shared.
The foundation has also given the men copyrights to their work, with proceeds earmarked for their families. The initiative seeks to provide inmates with a sustainable source of income while offering an outlet for their emotions. Yogesh, a former photographer, said he had always written lyrics but never had a platform. "When the NGO asked about our passions, I was overjoyed. I chose to write about my father and the friendship I cherished with him," he said.
Charanjit, who once sang at religious events, added: "This is my first song on YouTube. Yogesh and I hope to pursue music once we complete our sentences." Welba Foundation director Parikshit Bansal said the project was designed to help convicts reintegrate into society. "The word 'Welba' comes from 'Welcome Back'. Music allows inmates to release emotions and build a positive vision of life. Our aim is to deter them from returning to crime," he said.
Bansal noted that earlier songs released on Republic Day had relied on external composition, but the new release features music created by inmates themselves. They are provided with instruments and training inside the jail to develop skills in composition, sound engineering and editing. The superintendent of Ludhiana Central Jail, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, said the initiative was gaining traction. "Inmates are channelling their energy in a positive way.
We are encouraging more prisoners with even a little interest in music to join," he said.
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