Telangana Governor inaugurates Prisons Museum, ‘Feel the Jail Experience’ at Chanchalguda
HYDERABAD: Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Tuesday inaugurated the Telangana Prisons Museum and the “Feel the Jail Experience/Jail Anubhavam” initiative at Central Prison, Chanchalguda, in Hyderabad.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the museum marked a milestone in the evolution of correctional administration in the state. He said prisons in earlier times functioned largely as centres of punishment where inmates faced severe physical and mental hardship.
He said prison systems had gradually transformed into centres focused on correction, rehabilitation and human dignity. According to him, the museum reflects this transition and offers the public a realistic understanding of prison administration and inmate life.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of the Telangana Prisons Department and congratulated Soumya Mishra and prison officials for conceptualising the initiative.
Museum showcases prison artefacts and recreated barracks
The museum includes painting galleries, recreated old jail barracks, shackles, chains, fetters, gallows and audio-visual exhibits depicting prison life in earlier centuries. The Governor said the exhibits would help people understand how modern prisons had evolved into reformative institutions.
He said the “Feel the Jail Experience” initiative would help citizens understand prison discipline, inmate life and correctional administration while promoting awareness, empathy and respect for the law.
Speaking at the event, Soumya Mishra said the museum had been developed as a centre for awareness, education, research and reflection. She said the earlier jail museum at Sangareddy had collapsed a few years ago, prompting the department to establish a larger and immersive museum at Chanchalguda.
She said the museum documents the evolution of prisons from ancient punishment systems to modern correctional practices through thematic galleries and historical prison artefacts.
Open-air jail contribution to Nagarjuna Sagar highlighted
Mishra said one section of the museum highlights the contribution of inmate labour during the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam between 1961 and 1968. Prisoners housed in an open-air jail at the project site had contributed to construction activities, she said.
Explaining the “Jail Anubhavam” programme, she said the initiative offered structured 12-hour and 24-hour paid prison experiences, including prison accommodation, food, discipline and regulated activities. The programme aims to create awareness about lawful conduct, freedom and social responsibility, she added.
The department also launched the official website for online bookings and public visits. Visitors can book slots through Telangana Jail Experience.
Senior prison officials, staff members, invited guests and media representatives attended the inaugural programme.
