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A Visit to Roshnabad Prison
Open learning in closed cells
Prison means complete isolation from society.
Usually prisons are known for their strict atmosphere, their inmates'
hard life and officers' harsh behaviour. But Roshnabad prison is an
exception to this notion. I had an opportunity to visit this prison with
Usha Mataji on 24th September 2008. Since she has been supporting
children education in the jail for the last 3 years, the jail
authorities invited her to the inauguration of the study center of IGNOU
and NIOS in the jail premises. The chief guest was Hon. Chief Minister
of Uttarakhand Maj. Gen. (Retired) B. C. Khanduri. Also present were the
Education Minister, Uttarakhand, District Magistrate, Hardwar, Chairman
Municipal Corporation, Hardwar, and many other important dignitaries.
The beginning of these centers was not only a gift for all the inmates,
but also a meaningful attempt to lead them towards a right path of open
learning in closed cells.
Protecting Childhood
 Patanjala Yoga Kendra (Omkarananda Ganga Sadan),
Rishikesh, takes initiative to preserve the childhood of those who
without committing any crime are forced to undergo imprisonment. It
shows a ray of hope to the children of prisoners, whose future seems to
be totally in dark, by granting them financial, educational and moral
support. These children are being sent to Police Modern School, Hardwar,
for their studies. Chandni, a girl child, who lives in women cell with
her mother, will soon be sent to "Almorah Bal Grih" as she has completed
her six years and therefore can't stay with her mother any more as per
the jail rules. Usha Mataji has taken the responsibility to provide
these children with a better future by helping them with books, clothes,
shoes, school fees and other requirements. These children always eagerly
wait for her next visit.
Freedom behind Bars
I was surprised to see the prison's activities. It
has such a clean, homely and hygienic environment that it can be called
a "Tapasthali" (a place to perform austerity) or an Ashram (a place of
spiritual seclusion). In fact, the so called jail is a reform center,
because it provides maximum opportunities of learning to its inmates.
Besides teaching traditional methods of learning like weaving,
stitching, growing herbs etc. it also promotes modern computer
education. It is the state's first and country's third jail to have a
website of its own.
I have complete hope that the attempt to reform the
inmates and transform them into an independent and responsible citizen
of the State will succeed. My thanks to those who work selflessly to
carry forward this farsighted mission!
Meenakshi Gupta
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