Pune: Kolhapur Jail Wins Dnyanoba-Tukoba Grand Trophy In State-Level Bhajan Competition For Prisoners

Pune, 13th June 2023: In a remarkable display of talent and devotion, Kolhapur Jail has emerged as the winner of the first state-level Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Bhajan and Abhang Competition, organized for prisoners in association with the Sharad Sports and Cultural Foundation and Maharashtra Prisons Department.

The team from Kolhapur Jail was honored with the prestigious Dnyanoba-Tukoba Mahakarandak trophy and a certificate. Yerwada Central Jail (Pune) secured the second position, while Nashik Jail secured the third position, receiving the Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Mahakarandak and Sant Sheikh Mohammed Mahakarandak trophies, respectively.

The grand finale of the competition took place today (June 13) at the Prison Staff Bhavan, Yerwada Jail. The final round featured teams from Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Taloja, Pune, and Amravati. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dinesh Waghmare, Principal Secretary of the Home Department (Appeal and Security). Laxmikant Khabia, President of the Sharad Sports and Cultural Foundation and head of the competition, along with entrepreneur Vitthalsheth Maniyar, Special Inspector General of Police Dr Jalindar Supekar, DIG of Prisons Yogesh Desai, DIG of Prisons Swati Sathe, and Nandkumar Bund were also present. The Taloja, Amravati, and Nagpur teams were awarded incentive prizes.

During the event, Laxmikant Khabia expressed the hope that permission would be granted to establish a digital library and industrial business within the prison premises for the benefit of the prisoners.

Dinesh Waghmare commended the efforts of the Sharad Sports and Cultural Foundation in organizing the competition, emphasizing that life lacks vibrancy without the inclusion of arts and sports. He also expressed his desire for regular competitive activities.

Vitthalsheth Maniyar highlighted the power of saintly thoughts and bhajans that could be felt during the competition. He further mentioned that consistent organization of such competitions could pave the way for a crime-free state.

Amitabh Gupta expressed the importance of nurturing skills among prisoners.

In recognition of his contribution, Dinesh Waghmare felicitated Dhanyakumar Darda, who generously gifted ten computers to establish a digital library for the inmates. Dr Supekar extended his gratitude on behalf of the Bandinjas.

The grand finale was inaugurated by Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Dehu Sansthan Head Purushottam Maharaj More and Palkhi Sohala Chief-Trustee Anil Maharaj More, accompanied by Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Gupta (Inspector General Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra), Laxmikant Khabia, President of the Sharad Sports and Cultural Foundation and head of the competition, entrepreneur Dr Rajesh Sankala, and Special Inspector General of Police Jalindar Supekar. The competition order was determined by a draw of lots conducted by Gupta.

Expressing his appreciation for the initiative, Gupta extended his best wishes to the contestants. Purushottam Maharaj More emphasized the importance of seeking new directions and striving to surpass boundaries in life rather than engaging in unhealthy competition. Rajesh Sankala performed the Ganapati Stotra, invoking blessings for the event.

The competition commenced with the resounding call of Harinama, enveloping the audience in a profound sense of devotion. To enhance this spiritual atmosphere, compositions crafted by the inmate brothers, accompanied by soul-stirring Santrachanas, were presented. Despite the circumstances that led them to their confinement, the opportunity provided by the competition was beyond words. As they chanted the Lord’s name, the prisoners expressed their heartfelt desire to find solace in this momentary respite.

Esteemed music expert Pramod Ranade, Dr. Rajendra Doorkar, and the talented young singer Savani Savarkar graced the event as judges. Their presence added prestige to the competition and raised the bar of excellence.

The success of the competition was the result of tireless efforts from a dedicated team. Vivek Thite, Prof. Gyandev Shinde, Sonal Jagtap, Achyut Kulkarni, Roshan Khobragade, Virendra Latankar, Sandeep Rakshe, Shekhar Patil, Kiran Sanap, Rakesh Kharade, and Pandurang Jaggeshwar worked diligently to ensure its smooth execution. Their commitment and hard work were instrumental in making the competition a resounding triumph.

कोल्हापूर कारागृहाला ज्ञानोबा-तुकोबा महाकरंडक, येरवडा-पुणे द्वितीय तर नाशिक संघाला तृतीय क्रमांक