Jail Diary

Friday, November 18, 2011

Door of jail opened

I was about to write a letter to jail authority, but I was very hesitant and scared. Like any common man, I was also thinking that jail is the place more than a hell. People, living behind this four wall are ruthless, hard core criminals and not to be contactable. My fear was also that how will I interact with them when I will come across to them? Kiran Bedi had just told me to write to the authority, but how? Niether she told me, nor I could ask.
In the meantime, AVITOKO conducted an Art Competition in open means in only one category. It was the first year, may be year 2002. AVITOKO used to do unconventional acts. In this art competition, only one category was kept for all age group. People got surprised. Some said, it is just a farce. How can a 4 year old child compete with a 40 year old person? We very often claim that we are unconventional, but given a chance, we try to avoid to be. But we did. And you will be pleased to note that the 1st prize winner of this competition was literally a four year girl only. She compete with veterans and secure her 1st place.
For this competition, we got a call from Thane Central Jail saying that their one of the inmates is highly talented in art field and he wants to participate in this competition. So, they are sending his entry. Till date, we were thinking that like inmates, jail authorities may also be very cruel and rude. Thanks to our Hindi films. But here a jail officer, not less than with a capacity of jailer himself is calling and willingly sending one inmates entry? We thought, that really, if God is there, he really helps those, who help themselves. AVITOKO wanted to be with inmates and chance automatically knocked its door.
And thus the door of jail opened for AVITOKO.....!
,,,Continued...  

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Me and Kiran Bedi

It was 2001. I was in process to actualise my concept for my social responsibility. Being a writer, I felt that I am taking my characters from this society only, yet I am not doing any favor to them. Common man are favorite for writers or for any creative person. I was not an acception. My characters of my stories are from the real life. I weave their stories with the blending of imagination.
After 1st May, 2001, I started thinking that which class is most vulnerable? In philosophycal way, it can be said that each and every peerson is deprived by some other ways. But, here my motto was very clear. I thought, thought and thought.
I am very much impressed with Kiran Bedi. My employer once had invited her for their programme. I was given an opportunity to shake hands with Kiran. The whole day, I was very excited.
Perhaps, in 2002, I got an opportunity to meet and talk to Kiran once again. Place was Chennai. She had come to attend one forum, which is meant for PSUs. Around 1000 women's were gathered over there. I saw, how they were rushing to her to meet her, to talk to her, to get her autograph, to get a snap with her. I too wanted, but my small town mentality stopped me. But at the same time, I was in search of an opportunity to talk to her, as I was thinking to get my line of social responsibility.
During the meet, Kiran went to wash room. Yes! this is the time. No, please, dont get confused. When Kiran left for washroom, some other speaker was delibarating her thoughts. She was equally liked by others. So every one was engrossed with her speech. I just stood near main entrance. It was a huge hall and I knew that it will take at least 2-3 minutes to Kiran to reach to the dais. And it was true. When she returned from wash room and entered in the Hall, I just grabbed her- "I met you in Mumbai. My employer had invited you. You gave a very impressive talk. I had a photo with you." She was just nodding her head. Might be thinking that what a useless lady I am. But it was my preface to come to main topic. I said, I have read a lot about you and your work in Tihar jail and I want to do something for jail inmates. I am staying in Mumbai and I want to do something there for jail inmates. Please, let me know whether I can?"
She now smiled, and said-"Yes, yes. You can very much do. Its very good that you are thinking for them. You can do, if you want. No one can stop you."
"Procedure?"
"Very simple. Write a letter to jail authority by elaborating your plan, programmes and the way of execution."
........... -Continued....

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Jail Diary from AVITOKO

Jail is a very relative term. People think upon the jail made by the system to maintain law and order- a high boundary campus, where people, committed various crimes are kept. They are actual criminals or are made of, who knows? Yes, at present, we are also thinking the same.
AVITOKO is a socio-cultural Organisation. Its concept is a Better World Tomorrow. It is working with male, female jail inmates and with the children of women jail inmates, who live inside the jails along with their mothers from 2003 through art, theatre, literature. With the philosophy of "Rang Jeevan" (Theatre & Art for Life), AVITOKO puts an effort to bring a smile on the faces of jail inmates. Working through these cultural opponents, AVITOKO sows the seeds of art, theatre and culture into their minds. It wakes up their creative urges, turns their imaginations into reality and try to make them happy and satisfied.
With this Jail Diary, it will be our endeavor to bring lives and experiences of jail inmates through AVITOKO's activities. We would be very happy to find you with us. Your feedback will help us to serve them better.
Jail inmates are the most vulnerable and most deprived people. Being a part of society, its our responsibility to see their lives with a deep thought and try to create a person within a person.