From behind bars to books: novel initiative to train Cuddalore prison inmates as writers

The Cuddalore district administration, in association with Ezhuthaga Iyakkam (Write Movement) and the Tamil Nadu Prisons Department, has launched a programme to empower inmates of the Cuddalore Central Prison to put pen to paper, enabling them to become published authors. The programme offers them training, mentorship, as well as a path to redemption through literature.

The initiative called Sirayil Mulaitha Siragagul (Wings that Sprouted in Prison) was formally launched at the Cuddalore Central Prison by former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). It offers training to prison inmates on writing books, helping transform their thoughts into the written word. In its first phase, 101 inmates, who have expressed interest, have been chosen to be developed as writers.

Volunteers attached to Ezhuthaga Iyyakam will visit the prison and conduct bi-monthly sessions, guiding inmates through every stage: from drafting raw thoughts to editing, and then final publication.

According to Mr. Irai Anbu: “This isn’t just writing – it’s transformation. This project is a novel endeavour not just for India but for the world. In 1994, while serving as Additional Collector in Cuddalore, I organised a speech competition for the inmates here under Arivoli Iyakkam. For the first time in India, we provided vocational training to inmates to sustain their livelihoods, auctioned the products they made, and deposited the proceeds into their bank accounts.”

Expanding Ezhuthaga Iyakkam

“In Kannagi Nagar in Chennai, which is stigmatised as a hub of criminals, we undertook educational efforts as part of Ezhuthaga Iyakkam. By personally visiting students’ homes to motivate them, we have now produced over 400 first-generation graduates. Similarly, a collection of stories written by 50 students from the locality is set to be released in another 10 days,” he added.

“In prison, inmates have solitude and time. Writing will serve as a channel to purify their memories. Once you start writing, even ordinary events become extraordinary. We’ll teach the inmates how to write, edit, refine, beautify, and transform their work into a book – and then publish it. Though they entered as convicts, they will leave as creators and writers, carrying their books with them,” he added.

According to Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, the selected prisoners will be empowered in writing and publishing a book – be it fiction, non-fiction, letters, or essays.

“The Prison Department identified 101 prisoners who have shown interest and want to write. Starting this week, volunteers will be meeting and interacting with the prisoners to identify what they like and what they wish to write. It could be an interesting incident from the prisoner’s life, their family, or even the crime itself.”

The process aims to clarify their thought processes by articulating experiences, such as life incidents, and fostering personal reform. The volunteers will help streamline their thoughts during feedback sessions and will come out with a draft.

“When the prisoner leaves the prison, he will have written a book. This will help him integrate better into society. Prison is reformative, and this is the next step,” Mr. Kumar said, adding an appropriate publisher will be identified to publish their work.