Prison inmates' spirit shines at Cherlapally as annual sports and cultural meet ends on a high note

The Hindu

11-05-2025

Over 220 inmates from across Telangana's correctional facilities came together at Central Prison, Cherlapally, for a three-day celebration of grit, talent and rehabilitation, as the 2025 edition of the Annual Prisoners Sports & Cultural Meet drew to a spirited close on Sunday.
Organised by the Telangana Department of Prisons & Correctional Services, the event brought together prisoners from Cherlapally, Chanchalguda, the Hyderabad Prison Range and Warangal Prison Range, grouped into four platoons of 55 members each. The meet, running from May 9 to 11, blended athleticism with artistry and aimed to provide inmates with a structured platform for reinvention and reintegration.
The closing ceremony was headlined by Minister for IT, Industries, and Legislative Affairs D. Sridhar Babu with legislators Patnam Mahender Reddy and Bandari Laxma Reddy, and corporator Bonthu Sridevi in attendance.
In his address, the Minister commended prison authorities for transforming jails into 'centres of reform and rehabilitation' and applauded Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra for spearheading initiatives that focus on the welfare and reform of inmates. He noted that while many prisoners were there due to unfortunate turns in life, they are now actively working towards becoming better citizens.
A key highlight of the Minister's speech was the praise lavished on products made by prison industries, ranging from soaps to steel furniture, that he claimed could rival multinational brands in quality. The Karimnagar Fuel Outlet run by inmates also earned a special mention for its honesty and high sales figures.
Participants trained for two months ahead of the event, with special diets rich in protein to keep them fighting fit.
Events included cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, athletics, chess, carrom and badminton, alongside cultural programmes such as singing, dancing, skits, mimicry, musical performance and visual arts.
The Central Prison at Cherlapally dominated the scoreboard, bagging six golds and three silvers to clinch the overall championship. Central Prison, Hyderabad, followed with four golds and one silver. Cherlapally also took home the 'Best Team in Parade' title.
Ms.Mishra, in her closing remarks, thanked prison staff, participants and guests, and reiterated the department's commitment to reform-based prison management.