Cherlapally prison hosts sports and cultural meet
After a four-year break triggered by the pandemic, the Telangana Prisons Department has restarted its Annual Prisoners' Sports and Cultural Meet at Central Prison, Cherlapally.
The three-day event, aimed at inmate rehabilitation, kicked off on Friday, where over 220 prisoners from across the State took part.
The meeting was inaugurated by Special Chief Secretary for Home Ravi Gupta, who praised the prison staff for running a tight ship and commended the inmates for their disciplined parade and energetic performances. He told participants that this meet was not about medals, but about regaining purpose and self-discipline — tools more valuable than any trophy.
Inmates were grouped into four teams representing Cherlapally, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad Range and Warangal Range. All underwent two months of training in both sports and cultural activities, supported by protein-rich diets to keep them fighting fit.
Outdoor competitions include cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, and sprints, while indoor contests feature chess, carrom, and badminton. Cultural events such as singing, dancing, skits, mimicry, and instrumental music are also on the agenda, giving inmates a chance to step outside their usual roles and reconnect with forgotten talents.
Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra said that structured activity was not just a distraction, but a tool for change. 'Reform isn't a slogan. It's a process. And this is part of it,' she said.
Senior officers from across the prison system, including IGs and DIGs, backed the initiative as a practical approach to inmate reform.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Telangana govt announces police service medals
Hyderabad: On the eve of Telangana's formation day, the state govt announced that 486 policemen and other uniformed service personnel would be awarded Police Seva Medals in recognition of their distinguished service. In an order, special chief secretary Ravi Gupta said that nine policemen from Greyhounds, an anti-Naxal commando force, had been awarded the Shourya Pathakamu. These officers are sub-inspectors Ch. Mahesh, G. Shobhan and A. Rakesh Kumar, and Junior Commanders G. Venkatesh, K. Ramesh, Papia Naik, Ravinder Sanjay, T. Venkatesh and Naresh. Similarly, the Mahonnatha Seva Pathakamu was awarded to 16 police officers. Uttamaseva Pathakamu was awarded to 461 personnel. Gupta said: "This is in recognition of the outstanding work done by police officers in their respective fields, including the police, fire services, vigilance and enforcement, and the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) and special protection force (SPF), with payment of a monthly recurring grant and a non-recurring lump sum grant to the recipients of the pathakams. "
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Hans India
Minister's pep talk motivates inmates at Cherlapally
Hyderabad: IT Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu on Sunday said that the Telangana Government was committed to reforming inmates into responsible citizens before the completion of their sentences. The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Annual Prisoners' Sports and Cultural Meet–2025, organized by the Prisons Department at Cherlapally Central Jail on Sunday. He emphasised that the progressive reforms introduced by the Telangana Prisons Department, in alignment with evolving societal needs, have become a benchmark for other states. Recognising that many inmates were serving sentences for offenses committed knowingly or unknowingly, the government was focusing on instilling self-confidence by providing vocational training and skill development in various trades. To address mental health challenges, professional counseling services were also being offered. He noted that the products made by inmates are in high demand, and the government would continue to support and encourage such initiatives. The Minister underscored that imprisonment was never a desired path for anyone and advised inmates to lead dignified lives after release, refraining from repeating past mistakes. He assured that the government would extend support to well-behaved inmates wherever possible. He encouraged inmates not to be disheartened during their imprisonment and to make productive use of their time by pursuing training in fields of interest. Those aspiring for higher education will receive necessary support from the Prisons Department in accordance with existing guidelines. The event was also attended by MLC Mahender Reddy, Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra and other senior officials.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- The Hindu
Cherlapally prison hosts sports and cultural meet
After a four-year break triggered by the pandemic, the Telangana Prisons Department has restarted its Annual Prisoners' Sports and Cultural Meet at Central Prison, Cherlapally. The three-day event, aimed at inmate rehabilitation, kicked off on Friday, where over 220 prisoners from across the State took part. The meeting was inaugurated by Special Chief Secretary for Home Ravi Gupta, who praised the prison staff for running a tight ship and commended the inmates for their disciplined parade and energetic performances. He told participants that this meet was not about medals, but about regaining purpose and self-discipline — tools more valuable than any trophy. Inmates were grouped into four teams representing Cherlapally, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad Range and Warangal Range. All underwent two months of training in both sports and cultural activities, supported by protein-rich diets to keep them fighting fit. Outdoor competitions include cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, and sprints, while indoor contests feature chess, carrom, and badminton. Cultural events such as singing, dancing, skits, mimicry, and instrumental music are also on the agenda, giving inmates a chance to step outside their usual roles and reconnect with forgotten talents. Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra said that structured activity was not just a distraction, but a tool for change. 'Reform isn't a slogan. It's a process. And this is part of it,' she said. Senior officers from across the prison system, including IGs and DIGs, backed the initiative as a practical approach to inmate reform.
