Vadodara: Prisons are often seen as dull and quiet places where inmates count slow, heavy years. But Vadodara Central Jail, one of the oldest prisons in Gujarat, is gently rewriting that belief. Here, music spills through barracks and long corridors, giving those locked inside a small escape and a chance, even if brief, to drift beyond the high walls.The launch of Prison Radio in Vadodara Central Jail has been a bright break in daily life, offering far more than relief from stress. “Beyond entertainment, it helped reshape prison life by giving inmates a measure of comfort and peace,” said Usha Rada, superintendent of police, Vadodara Central Jail.“Every morning starts with bhajans and spiritual music, which aims to bring calm and balance to the inmates’ daily routine. The RJ then tunes into FM radio for some peppy music to cheer up prisoners while they do various types of work in prison,” Rada told TOI.The broadcasts come from a bright and lively radio jockey studio that looks much like a professional setup, complete with a sound system and computer. “Some prisoners turn into RJs and play different songs. Among the inmates, we also have a few good singers who perform live from the studio,” said Mukesh Chaudhary, DySP, Vadodara Central Jail.The station also runs on joy and small moments of warmth. Inmates can request songs for special days. “On their birthdays or wedding anniversaries, many prisoners request their favourite songs and the RJ obliges. It gives them some emotional relief and brief moments of entertainment behind these high walls,” Chaudhary added.But this radio is not only about music. Jail authorities invite experts from many fields to speak on subjects that guide, steady and inspire those inside. “We saw a positive change in many prisoners due to the spiritual programmes we play. We have 40 barracks and each has a speaker so inmates can listen to the programming from every corner of the jail,” Chaudhary said.Inside a place built to confine, Prison Radio offers something rare — a spark of freedom, a thread of hope and the simple joy of hearing a human voice lifted in song.
