Prisoner takes up literary pursuit, writes religious books in Gwalior Jail

Gwalior, Sep 29(ANI): Hari Singh Sikarvar, a prisoner serving a life term for murder at the Gwalior Central Jail, has resorted to the well-known mode of reforming himself by indulging in academic and literary pursuits.

However, Sikarvar's literary endeavours are not just reading academic books and appearing for graduation test, but has also been writing religious books.

Not being a fully literate person, he learnt the basics at the school within the jail and later studied different Hindu scriptures on which he has written extensive commentaries.

Sikarvar has been behind the bars for the past 12 years and over this period he has mastered basic literacy and succeeded in composing 1700 verses, which can be compiled into 38 books.

Among his writings are simplified versions of Hanuman Chalisa and Srimad Bhagwad Gita.

"I have re-written the 'Gita' in simplified language in the form of a poem. People find it hard to understand the Sanskrit verses of the Gita. So, I decided to rewrite it. So far I have written 18 chapters in simplified language," Sikarvar said.

He further said that the jail authorities have been most helpful and enabled him to receive a formal education that he had missed during his childhood days.

Sikarvar's writings have been well appreciated by the jail officials and they are looking forward to publish some of his compilations.

"According to Hari, he has never received a formal education for many reasons. But, in the prison, he got ample time to study in the school situated inside the prison premises. The jail officials also encouraged him to write more and supported him throughout by providing all the necessary things required in his writing," said S. S. Kushwah, Senior Deputy Superintendent of Gwalior Central Jail.

Expressing happiness at Sivarkar's perseverance, Kushwah mentioned that his achievements must be emulated by other inmates f the prison as an ideal mode of reforming oneself. (ANI)