FILMMAKER Bharatbala Ganapathy’s Ramnami, documenting the distinctive faith and cultural identity of Chhattisgarh’s Ramnami community, has won the Best Documentary honour at the 72nd National Film Awards. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, bringing the community’s remarkable tradition of inscribing Lord Ram’s name on their bodies into the national spotlight. The documentary explores the community’s history, tracing its origins to around 1890, when the first open correctional facility of its kind in Chhattisgarh. The inaugural event was attended by Central Jail Superintendent Manish Sambhakar, departmental officials, prison staff, and inmates. Under the operational framework of the open jail, 50 selected prisoners will be housed at the facility.

 

Unlike conventional rigorous confinement, inmates will step out of the premises during morning hours to undertake varied employment and vocational activities, returning to the facility every evening prior to the scheduled lockup. The system aims to encourage rehabilitation, self-reliance, and smoother reintegration into society. Jail Superintendent Manish Sambhakar informed that 30 prisoners fulfilling the criteria will be initially kept in the Open Jail and they will be allowed to freely move in jail premises from 6 am till the evening. ‘There will be almost zero surveillance upon these prisoners and they will be made to work and manage affairs at Jail canteen, ‘Mangodi’ center, ‘Gaushala’ etc. We will give them more relaxation in the coming days so that these prisoners can reintegrate into the society by working outside,’ said the officer.