Prisons are called correctional homes nowadays. Not
for nothing. It is a place where the inmates (convicted or under trial) have a
choice to work and live. It is not backbreaking labor or some sort of physical punishment
throughout the day as we are made to think. It is rather a place where
transformation and rehabilitation is a genuine possibility. A false narrative
by popular cinema and literature etc. has led us to this wrong
perception…sometimes ridiculously unrealistic. They make no distinction between
police “lock-ups” and “jails”- now correctional homes, and portray the
limitations and difficulties of a police custody in a generalized way as if
Correctional Centres are the same. But reality is different. “Jailors” as they
were called in the past are mentors and enablers today. The officers and staff are agents of change in
this place of isolation and confinement- they are no more typical guards and
tormentors.
In my current association with
Nakshi- a social venture, I recently had an opportunity to meet one inspiring
figure- Mr. Arun Gupta, IPS, DG & IG, West Bengal Correctional Services. As the Chief Officer of West Bengal Correctional
Homes and Correctional Services, Sri Gupta emphasized on productive utilization
of human resources incarcerated in Correctional Homes of the State. The sick
Correctional Home Industries has become rejuvenated through various skill
development programmes initiated by him. Besides, he always cares to response
to different welfare activities for the prisoners. Different programs under culture
therapy have got his active support for mental upliftment of the inmates. Nigel Akara’s story is
motivational who is an ex-convict and today a much sought after actor today in
Bengal Film and Theatre industries. He
considers Mr. Gupta a mentor in his life.
Mr. Gupta’s fervor and commitment has
galvanized many passionate celebrities from different walks of life like Alokananda
Roy-iInternationally
acclaimed exponent of Indian classical dance, a reformer of souls, renowned
designers and social workers etc.
Incubated by Bandhan, Nakshi is
committed to reclaim the glories of our indigenous craft heritage and create a
sustainable business model that provides a viable livelihood option for the
weavers, artisans and grassroots producers. Mr. Gupta came to know about our
works and came over to discuss a probable synergy where we can provide the
skill and design inputs to the inmates (women and men) in the correctional
homes and arrange for market access through our platform. This will give them a
regular occupation which is interesting to them as well as pave the way for
future rehabilitation and mainstreaming.
We have chalked out plans for
this engagement and expect to start working with inmates of Presidency and
Women’s correctional homes- both at Alipore, Kolkata, in this month itself. We
are both happy and excited about it. But which really struck us more is to see
how the Jail authorities have developed working facilities, skills and creative
conditions within the prisons and how the inmates have adopted and enjoying
this engagement. It is a source of satisfaction for them and also a possible
avenue for future rehabilitation in the mainstream of society, post their jail
terms. Even there are learning
facilities for under 6 kids (staying with their mothers), computer training
facilities…even beauty & wellness training facility! We visited these two
prisons in connection with planning the work possibilities there. Both places looked like a “home” really
(obviously the women’s home seemed more homely)- in terms of the internal
environment and mutual relationship among the staff, officers and inmates
despite the legal and official boundaries. At the same time we could see the
products and arts those are “made in prison” but which transcends the “walls”
in its quality and creative essence. They are already making food products,
oils, utensils as well as making garments, designer wears and paintings which
are of excellent standards. This has the potential of larger market acceptance
with a purposeful branding possibility like the brand “TJ” (acronym for “Tihar
Jail”).
The separation is
the “punishment”. But prisons are not
meant to perpetuating the punishment. Rather it is a place for making them
bounce back- the senior officials of the prisons told me. My take here is when
the authorities is so understanding and trying best to fill them with positive
attitude and skills, we as common citizens and free members of the society
should make space for them. Convicts and under trials deserve a fair chance.
They need to come back to the mainstream of society wherefrom they were
isolated and placed in confinement for correction and rehabilitation. Products
and creations those are “made in prison” tell us that story...
