“If today I had to choose between a weapon or a brush, I would choose the brush”-A young youth detained at the Juvenile Justice Board, Tirunelveli.

I was giving a speech on “Addictions” at M. S. University when I was approached by the Superintendent of Juvenile Justice Board, Tirunelveli to meet with the minor offenders in his detention facility. I jumped to the opportunity and wanted to do something different with them apart from just giving a boring talk. I thought of Art. Just a small teaching of what to do with a brush and paint brought out some terrific traditional Tamil Art. The boys envisioned our Tamil culture and we grouped to create all the elements that constitute Pongal with just paper and colours. The result was hand-drawn and coloured- sugarcanes with leaves, the earthen pot and the lamp. Never expected the program would make such a significant impact on the teens. I was glad to hear the Superintendent share that the sessions helped to improve their anger management, mental health and wellbeing.
Art can be a vehicle for personal rediscovery through which detained youth can engage, develop new skills, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. This is why we must empower one-time young offenders to find their artistic voices, thereby fostering personal understanding, community belonging, and healing.