Bengaluru Central Prison Launches 10-Day Vipassana Camp for Inmates

Bengaluru's Central Prison has launched a 10-day Vipassana Dhyana meditation camp for 25 convicted inmates, beginning Friday inside the prison complex, as part of a state-led rehabilitation initiative to promote mental peace and behavioural reform. The programme is being conducted under the supervision of the Karnataka Department of Prisons and Correctional Services.

The camp is limited to inmates with a history of disciplined conduct, who volunteered for the programme and will remain in isolation, observing complete silence while undergoing meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga under trained instructors. Vipassana, a non-sectarian meditation technique, emphasizes self-awareness and mental discipline through sustained silent practice.

Prison officials stated the initiative aims to reduce stress and aggression among inmates, foster emotional stability, and support long-term behavioural change to ease social reintegration after release. Similar reformative programmes, including counselling and vocational training, are regularly conducted across Karnataka prisons.

The camp will conclude in nine days, with prison authorities evaluating participant progress and considering future batches for the meditation programme.