Prisoners in Karnataka sing national anthem, naada geethe daily as part of reformative approach

In what the police call an effort to instil discipline and foster positive thinking among prison inmates, the Karnataka Prisons Department has introduced the practice of singing the national anthem and the naada geethe (State song) twice a day across prisons.

Director General of Police (Prisons) Alok Kumar said the initiative aims to ‘reform inmates by encouraging a sense of national and cultural connection’.

Under the new system, inmates assemble every morning after unlocking at 6.30 a.m. and again in the evening before lock-up at 6.30 p.m. to sing Jana Gana Mana and Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.

Moment of reflection

“This will bring positivity among the inmates and help them reflect on the values of peace and harmony,” Mr. Kumar said. “Through regular recitation and collective singing, their thinking patterns may gradually change, which will help subdue violence and aggression inside prisons.”

Apart from singing the anthem and the State song, inmates are also being trained in basic parade discipline.

According to prison officials, several foreigners lodged in Karnataka prisons have also joined the initiative. They are learning about Kannada culture through the naada geethe, promoting a sense of inclusiveness and national integration. “Many inmates were not even aware of the naada geethe earlier. Many foreigners, who are in prisons, joined as they are now part of the system,” Mr. Kumar added.

Reformative approach within prisons

The concept was mooted about 10 days ago during a departmental review meeting. Prison authorities said inmates were taught the songs through repeated recitation and guided practice, giving them an opportunity to understand the meaning.

A senior police officer, who witnessed inmates standing in formation and singing together, said the scene reminded him of classic Hindi films such as Karma and Do Aankhen Barah Haath, which depicted reformative approaches within prison systems.