Their violence is diametrically opposite to the noble non-violent ideas Mahatma Gandhi cherished and preached all his life.
Fifty prisoners from the Arthur Road and Byculla prisons will appear for an exam in phases on two books by Gandhiji, 'Experiments with Truth' and 'Character and Nation Building'. The first of its kind in Mumbai prisons, the first phase was held on September 19 and the second, concluding phase will be held on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti Day.
Conducted by the Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, a Gandhian institution, the objective behind the exercise is to stir and inspire the criminal minds. A three-month long exercise, the prisoners are made to attend classes that explain the Gandhian ideologies of non-violence and truth. "The aim is to evoke a sense of regret in their minds. They are also taught the power of non-violence," said TRK Somaiya, the project convenor and co-coordinator.
The papers can be written in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati. Well, the impact of the exposure is evident. "The books truly evoked a sense of regret in me. The perseverance of Gandhiji amazed me," said Yaseer Khan, an inmate at Byculla prison who has been imprisoned on charges of duping a company of Rs 5 lakh. Other prisoners who appeared for the exam also seemed upbeat about the exercise.
"This is the first time I've looked at Gandhian ideologies so closely. I loved the chapter where it criticises racial discrimination in South Africa. I will flaunt my certificate to my folks back home," beamed Raju Tembe, who was put behind bars on charges of robbery.
Administrators at the prison endorsed the objective. "Even if 10 out of 100 prisoners alter their way of thinking, it will contribute in improving society. The classes and exam also keeps them occupied and relaxes them," said SS Dhehankar, a senior police inspector, who administered the exam.
New role
50 prisoners from Arthur Road, Byculla prison will appear for exam on two books by Gandhiji
Papers can be written in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati
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