85 books by inmates released at Cuddalore Central Prison

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu on Saturday released 85 books written by inmates of Cuddalore Central Prison under Sirayil Mulaitha Siragugal (wings that grew in prison), an initiative to nurture their creative abilities and support rehabilitation.

The books were developed with support from the Ezhuthaga Iyakkam (Write Movement) and the Tamil Nadu Prisons Department, comprise poetry, stories, essays, songs, and letters. Mr. Irai Anbu said the publication of 85 books within six months reflected the sustained efforts of the participants, the Ezhuthaga Iyakkam team, the district administration, and prison authorities. He urged the inmate-authors to continue writing and said that their works could help society understand their lives and experiences while providing an opportunity for introspection.

“When you leave this campus, society will see you as creators,” he said, encouraging them to return to the community with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Describing the initiative as an achievement for Cuddalore, he said the combination of training, sustained engagement, and publication deserved recognition. He urged the authors to become role models for others and draw inspiration from everyday experiences for their next books.

Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar said the initiative was a model for prison reform that had enabled inmates to establish themselves as writers and creators. Writing could change the way inmates viewed themselves and how their families and society perceived them. Efforts would be made to expand the initiative, he said.

Deputy Inspector-General of Prisons, Vellore Range, G. Shanmugasundaram; Cuddalore Central Prison Superintendent A. Parasuraman; New Century publishing house managing director Santhanam; and Ezhuthaga Iyakkam coordinator V. Killivalavan participated.