Manu Sharma’s trust showcases Tihar art,he talks of misery in jail

The SVCT is named after Siddhartha Vashishta,better known as Manu Sharma,presently serving a life sentence for the murder in 1999 of model Jessica Lall.

Lodged in Tihar Jail,he came up with the idea of a trust which claims to have so far provided social assistance to at least 130 children of inmates.

Proceeds from the sale of paintings at this exhibition,the SVCT said,would go towards the education of children of jailed inmates and lending financial support to their families.

Over 150 paintings,from landsacpes to abstract,by 76 inmates and upcoming artists were on display,the prices ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 35,000.

The event was inaugurated by MP Jaya Prada and Professor Zargar Zahoor,Dean,Faculty of Fine Arts,Jamia Millia Islamia. Both praised the organisation and its efforts.

Emphasising the importance of rehabilitation,Jaya Prada said: “Everyone makes mistakes,but it is our responsibility to hold them (inmates) close to our hearts and help them out of their troubles. After all,they are human beings.”

The event concluded with a speech Manu had written earlier: “I feel miserable in jail,but I also feel,after coming to jail,I have seen misery in its most profound state.”