The Karnataka Prisons Department has started a new routine where inmates sing the national anthem Jana Gana Mana and the State song Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate twice each day. Director General of Police (Prisons), Alok Kumar, said this effort is to instill discipline and encourage a national and cultural bond among prisoners. Every morning at 6:30 a.m. after unlocking and again at 6:30 p.m. before lock-up, inmates gather to sing these songs. "This will bring positivity among the inmates and help them reflect on the values of peace and harmony," said Mr. Kumar. He added, "Through regular recitation and collective singing, their thinking patterns may gradually change, which will help subdue violence and aggression inside prisons." Along with singing, inmates are also being trained in basic parade discipline. Interestingly, many foreign prisoners have joined in this initiative. They are learning about Kannada culture through the state song, enhancing inclusiveness and national integration. "Many inmates were not even aware of the naada geethe earlier. Many foreigners, who are in prisons, joined as they are now part of the system," explained Mr. Kumar. This idea was introduced about 10 days ago during a departmental review. Prison staff taught the songs through repeated practice, helping inmates grasp their meanings. A senior police officer noted the sight of inmates standing in formation and singing as reminiscent of old Hindi movies like Karma and Do Aankhen Barah Haath, which show reform efforts in prisons.