Cricket promotes camaraderie among Patna prison inmates - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Patna's beur prison on Wednesday organised a game of cricket to promote camaraderie among players. "The prisoners were not friendly earlier. So, this match was organised to remove the bitterness and for better understanding among one another and the administration also," said Om Prakash, Jail Superintendent. People from outside the prison's four walls also came to cheer the inmates. The game returned smiles upon the faces of the inmates, who said it helped deal with isolation. "The isolation we were experiencing in the jail, now it is much better. We also got a chance to interact with the administration and jail authorities, which is very good. We are very excited and happy that such activities are taking place in the jail," said Ajay Jha, an inmate. Prison authorities across the country have been unveiling reforms to improve its functioning. Inmates are allowed to pursue studies, imparted vocational training, engage in professions like tailoring, handicrafts and cooking and visits by professional cricketers and popular film stars are encouraged.