Mangalore: Chess tournament for jail inmates provides refreshing change
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Feb 24: Inmates of the district jail on Sunday February 23 were seen busy racking their brains in a bid to defeat their opponents in a battle fought over black and white checkered boards. The occasion was a chess tournament organized by United Chess Association in collaboration with Issues and Concerns and department of prisons.
Ravi from Dandaramakki in Moodigere, who has been lodged in the district jail here since the last three years, won first prize. Ravi, who has never attended any school, and who had come to the city to eke out a living, had got involved in an accident while driving an auto rickshaw without possessing a valid licence.
District chief judicial magistrate, N S Patil, who was present, said that a sitting of Lok Adalat will soon be held in the jail towards reaching as many outside the court settlements as possible, wherever feasible. He said that such sittings will bring down the work pressure on courts. He thanked the organizers of the chess tournament, and suggested for holding competitions in other subjects like essay writing, in the coming days.
Addressing those present after handing over rewards, certificates, and trophies to winners, Patil appreciated the initiative of United Chess Association, commenting that he had for the first time in his service of over 20 years, seen an occasion where jail inmates were smiling freely and taking part wholeheartedly in a programme.
M R Vasudeva, honorary president of United Chess Association, opined that such tournaments help in easing the criminal mindset of the jail inmates and regain peace of mind, which in turn will bring some positive changes through changed outlook in their lives. President of the association, Gururaj, and Jayaram Shriyan of Issues and Concerns, also spoke on the occasion. Medical officer of the jail, Dr Rajaram Rai, and referee, Kaushik, were present.
Jail superintendent, Ramesh P S, welcomed, and presided over the programme. He said that he plans to organized different indoor activities for the inmates in the coming days towards bringing positive transformation in their mindset. He also said that the possibility of resettlement of jail inmates on their release will be considered wherever possible.
Mahesh from Mumbai, and Gopal from Hassan, stood second and third respectively. The first prize carried cash reward of Rs 3,000 and a trophy, while the first and second runners-up received Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 respectively, in addition to trophies. Two consolation prizes worth Rs 500 each were given to Hamza and Soorya Kumar. Each participant also received certificate of participation.
Teacher, Eshwar, presented the programme and proposed vote of thanks.