Inside the jail

Security guard had permitted me and now I was in jail premise. It was a huge premise with full of greenery to its left hand side. Long trees were there. Two or three vans were parked under the trees. Right hand side, there was a bungalow. Later on I came to know that this is for Superintendent. In the middle of the premise, there was a circle, covered with red bricks and white lime powder, for national flag. I raised my neck. Tricolor flag was hoisted there. And in front of me, jail building! Jail building was looking like a fort. In one corner, it was written, “In memory of freedom fighter.” No doubt, the entire campus was neat and clean and was quite impressive.

I went near the huge gate of jail building. Jail personnel were coming and going through the small gate of the big gate. I saw, Personnel were knocking the gate. There was a spy hole. Personnel from inside, used to open the spy hole, see the personnel of outside. After recognizing them, they unlock the door. The moment personnel enters inside, they lock the door immediately. The same process was applied for the personnel, coming from inside. I was going towards the gate. Outside this gate, again four-five securities were there. One of them asked, “Yes Madam! Kya baat hai?”

“Superintendent Saheb se milna hai.”

“What are the matter?”

Same story was repeated. Again I was told that Saheb has not come yet. You better go outside and wait for him.” Again I asked the same that how will I come to know, whether he had come or not. Again, I was permitted to stand there to wait for Bada Saheb.

It was around 4 pm, when sudden fast movement among the personnel, I felt. Everyone was in attention.  I saw, a very smart guy was walking towards the gate of jail building. One security announced in his rhythm that Superintendent saheb is coming. The main gate was opened and Superintendent saheb entered inside. Immediately gate was closed. A relaxation was spread on the faces of the personnel.

I moved a little ahead- near spy hole. Security from inside saw me and asked- “Kay ahe?” (Whats the matter?”

I said, “Superintendent Saheb se milna hai.”

“Your name?”

By uttering my name, I said him that he knows my program. Please tell him that I am waiting here.”

“Ok. You wait.” Spy hole got closed.

I listen, he was telling some other personnel, “Arey, Sahebana sanga that Madam has come.”

I was waiting with finger crossed. Almost 5-7 minutes had passed, when one personnel opened the door and pronounced my name. I immediately came forward. He was very polite and respectful. He took me inside. I was asked to deposit my mobile. Mr. Karnik, the Jailer was there. I met him and congratulated him for the award, won by his one of the inmates. He, very politely said that it was you people’s greatness to give an opportunity to an inmate. He guided me towards Superintendent’s chamber.

I was a little apprehensive. My God! He was so particular about his time. Whether he will listen to me? Whether he will agree to our plan?

The huge door of the chamber was fully opened. Another bracelet type of half door was open. Such type of door was found in Govt. officials offices in earlier days. By construction of the building, it was very easy to understand that it has been made by British. I read his name plate- Rajendra Dhamne.

I knocked that bracelet type of half door and opened one side of it. A huge hall type of Chamber appeared. Superintendent,  Mr. Rajendra Dhamne was sitting in his chair. I entered inside the chamber and wished him. He indicated me a chair for a seat. There were around 10 chairs in three rows. I occupied one chair from front row. I saw the wall. In his back wall, freedom fighters paintings were there.

One Hawaldar came with glasses of water, kept in a trey. I picked up one glass and saw the Superintendent. He was busy to sort out his files and papers. In the mean time, he was giving instructions to his officers. Almost after five minutes, he lifted his face. I saw him- a stiff, dark, handsome mid-age guy. His jaws were showing that how strict he might be. He passed a welcoming smile and said- “You were supposed to come in the forenoon no?”

“Yes Sir! I am Sorry, I could not. “ I got free at 1 pm. I phoned also. But I was told that now I can’t meet you.”

He did not say anything, but asked, “Tell me. What you want to do for our Bandi log (Inmates)?

First, I thanked him and then narrated our plan. He was listning very attentively. He asked, “When do you want to do?”

“Whenever you will permit us. But we can come only on Saturday as me and my other team members are free only on Saturday.”

“Saturday suites us also. No court on this day, so less problem. Fix the date, inform us and come. But, before it, write a letter to us with your purpose and program. We will give you the permission. Then only, you can conduct any program.“ He smiled, “ Official procedure. We will have to obey it.”

“Yes Sir. I am also a Govt. official. I am abiding rules and regulations. I can assure you that I will never let you down and so will perform all the formalities.” 

Now, there was no purpose to sit over there. He also called his officials. He had asked me for a cup of tea. I got that this is just a formality. If he would have willing, he would have ordered directly. I wished him and asked for my movement. He nodded and folded his hands in Namaste. I came out from his chamber. Mr. Karnik asked- “Ho gai mulakat?” (Did you meet him?)

The same was asked by the personnel of building securities as well as by the security from the gate. I said ‘yes’. I thanked everyone and came out from the jail. Open sky was looking at me. Roads were full of traffic. I was feeling very light. I stopped one auto and proceeded for Thane railway station to catch local train to reach my home.  (Contd….)   

  

Before entering to jail premises

Meeting Superintendent any day! But for me, any day means Saturday only. Saturday is my off day. Thane is too far from my residence. I was just thinking about the Day. In the meantime, I met one person. I really had forgotten his name. So sad! For our convenience, I will just call him Mohit. So Mohit met me at Prithvi Cafe at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, Mumbai, where we both had gone to see some play. It was day time, so must be some children play. While sipping our coffee, we introduced each other and started talking. I came to know that he is working for Tata and his factory is at Thane.  But at that point, there was no picture for going Thane Central Jail. He said that he has interest in theatre, so today he just managed his time and came. He he he, It was Sunday. I smiled.

"But sparing Sunday is also quite tough na! Wife, Children, Friends, house hold work! So many things, you have to finish on this day" He said and I nodded my head.

We talked a lot. I told him about my theatrical ventures and Corporate Training through theatre.

Now, I have to go to Thane. To jail. I just remembered him. Do you believe in telepathy? I don't, but sometimes, it happens. I was thinking for him and I just got a call. It was he only. He said that his HR Manager wants to meet me and is willing to organise some training programs. He asked, "Can you come to our place?"

"Yes!" I wanted to go myself. Nature has made this arrangement for me. Mohit told, "Please come Thane. You reach up to Thane Station. We will arrange a vehicle for you from the Railway Station."

"Fine." I informed The jail also that I am coming on this day- means Saturday. I was once again reminded that I must come between 11 am -1 pm. I calculated my time. Maximum it will take one hour to talk with the HR Manager of Tata. If I would be able to finish meeting by 12 pm, I can be on time for the jail. Mohit had assured to drop me to my desired place.

But, it is truly said, Man proposes, God disposes. So when I reached at Tata Factory, it was around 11.30 am. HR Manager was in the meeting. I had no way but to wait for him. He came back around 12.30 pm. Discussion started. He was quite impressed with our training ideas and concepts. He suggested some other training programs and workshops for their employees children as well as for employees wives also

Time was running short. I requested him that I would like to move and assured that we will be in touch. But he said, that right now, its already 1 pm. You can't reach as per jail schedule. So its better, you have your lunch here." He smiled, "We have a reasonable canteen in our premises. We all eat here only."

I called jail. I was told that Bada Saheb has already gone. Now, only you can meet him at 4 pm, when he will come back.

HR Manager laughed- "So now, enjoy our meal with us." I had no option but saying "Yes."

It was lunch time and canteen was over filled with their workers. HR Manager said, "Madam! Please don't mind to see the crowd." I laughed and said, "You know no that I am going to meet what kind of crowd after my lunch? Please don't feel sorry for it. They are our workers- the core people. My single worry is that how will I pass my 2 hours?"

"No problem." You can be in our office.after your food. He (Tata person) will accompany you and when you want to leave, driver will drop you there.

It was Tata's hospitality. Mumbai's afternoon is humid, sweaty. So I did not dare to roam around. I preferred to sit in a cool AC Cabin and enjoy their hospitality. Around 3 pm, I was offered tea. At 3.30 pm, I asked for a drop. Driver was called. Around 3.45 pm, I was in front of the gate of Thane Central Jail.

I was alone. For a single moment, I scared and the very next moment, I made up my mind and entered inside from the external gate. The moment I entered, immediately I was stopped by the security- " Ho Madam! Thamba! Kuthe janar?" (Madam! Please stop. Where do you want to go?)

"To meet Superintendent Saheb."

"But he is not there."

"I know. He will come at 4 O clock no?"

"Ho! When he will come, you please come that time. You may wait outside."

"But how will I come to know, whether he has arrived or not? So let me go inside."

There was 3-4 security guards were there. They talked each other. One of them asked me- " Madam! What is the purpose to meet Saheb."

"I have come from one Organisation and want to organsise some programs for the prisoners. I have come to discuss the same with you Saheb."

They saw each other. One security person had nodded his head and told the security, who was questioning me-  " Jaoo de." (Let her go.)

During my air travelling and others, I came across with several security people, I had learnt one thing that never get angry with them and never be rude with them. They have full right to treat you as per their will and wish. They can fire you, they can frisk you, even they can throw you out in the name of security. But, if you are humble and polite, they will help you out. One security had helped me at Santacruz airport, when a very high power committee was supposed to inspect our office and my GM was not allowed to go to VIP Room as VIP pass was not obtained for him.

I moved inside. ......(Contd)      

Result of Art competition

When Result of Art competition was declared and a convicted prisoner was declared as one of the winners, I informed jail authority of Thane Central Jail. I had received the number along with the entry. I dialed it. A Hawaldar type of person had received my call. I narrated the purpose of calling there. He connected me to the jailer.  I discussed that how can we reward him? Will you bring it to our place, where AVITOKO is going to celebrate its annual function? I was not apprehensive, but 100% sure that they will not allow an inmate to come out to receive the award.

Then? Shall we go? A asked. The Jailer of Thane Central Jail Mr. Karnik said, "For this, you will have to talk to our Superintendent Saheb".

"Means?"

"He is 'sabse bada Saheb.' He is only the authority to decide."

"Owoooo! I was thinking that you are the highest authority."

He laughed- "In films, we are shown like that."

My knowledge was also gathered from Hindi films only. I also laughed a little. Anyways, I requested him whether I can talk to his Bada Saheb. He connected the phone to him.

"Hello" ....O God! A very good, cultured voice appeared. Was he a radio artist?" I thought. My Radio curiosity! I was in All India Radio and came across with several good voices. Good, cultured Radio Voices.

"Yes Madam! What can I do for you?" Mr. Superintendent asked.

"Sir, As you know that your one of the inmates had sent his entry for our Art Competition and you would be happy to note that he has won Judges Special Award and that also in open category."

"I know that."

"We want to reward him. But how, unable to understand. Please guide."

"What is the problem to understand? You are aware that he is a prisoner. So he cant go to receive the award."

" Then can we come over there?"

"For this, you will have to come here first. Elaborate your program. Then we will see."

"OK. When should I come?"

"Any day between 11 am to 1pm." He disconnected the phone. ......... (Contd)
   

JAILHOUSE ROCK : CONVICTS SERVE UP CULTURE

Theatre for Oppressed: It was year ending of 2009, when I approached Thane Central Jail with the request to conduct a 2 weeks theatre workshops with convicted prisoners. It was a tough task. No one is normally allowed to mingle with the inmates for a long period. Seeing me and the credentials of AVITOKO, Mr. Yogesh Desai, the Superintendent of Thane Central Jail had granted permission. I spoke to some of my theatre friends to conduct this workshop, but in spite of giving all assurances, they moved back at eleventh hour. Now? Either I would cancel the program or conduct by my own. I had chosen later one believing in Tagore's line- "Jodi tor dak sune keo naa ashe, tobe ekla chole re!" (Move alone, if no one comes forward by listing you call.)

Its an experience to conduct a complete 10 days workshop followed by a 45 minutes flawless presentation of a play under title of "Mushkil Nahin Sambhalna" on drugs and AIDS  by inmates. Inmates cared me, Their behaviour touched me. The whole experience will be narrated soon. By the time, read the story, covered by Times of India, Mumbai. I am thankful to jail authority, Press and above all, all the inmates. They did splendor!

JAILHOUSE ROCK

CONVICTS SERVE UP SOME CULTURE

Prisoners at the Thane Jail expressed their creative skills in a play last week

Joeanna Rebello Fernandes | TNN 

They were unschooled in the legend of Augusto Boal, and in the stage subset called Theatre of the Oppressed, but they became accidental actors at the end of a ten-day intervention. Last Saturday, 11 convicted prisoners huddled in makeshift wings, clamouring for more rouge and pancake as they nervously peered into the audience of 500 undertrials, minutes before the staging of their own piece. Nothing about their schoolboy jitters betrayed their crimes, although the yellow bands girdling some sleeves did—these were murder convicts. 

As they cautiously trooped on stage, the barebones recreational hall at Thane Jail erupted in whistles and hoots. The actors launched into a series of rehearsed vignettes, depicting the downward spiral of a young man bedevilled by alcohol and drug addiction, beset by AIDS and taken by death, but returned to life for his penitence. Thus the play ended on a hopeful, yet admonitory note: Getting high will only bring you down, so avoid addiction before it gets you. 

These men would know—many of their own crimes were committed under the influence. At the close of the play, the lead actor, a young man called Dattatreya, who swayed and slurred as if he really had quaffed a stiff one in the wings, explained his authenticity: “I used to be an addict outside, and I can honestly tell you I’ve only now learnt the curse of my addiction. It’s the reason I am here.’’

All began to catalogue their pre-prison failings, hoping to serve as examples to the rest. “I was a driver with a rich family, and I never thought twice about blowing up money, until I came here and had nothing,’’ said middle-aged Vinod Jagda from Rajkot. “Ninety per cent of us are here because of addiction,’’ Vikas Mohanrao Jade reminded all. “And only when each one of us has given it up for good can we say this play has been a success.’’

The trigger that turned these men into expressive angels of advocacy is a woman. More accurately, Hindi playwright and author Vibha Rani. When Rani established a group called AVITOKO in 2001, she wanted to give society’s deprived a window that looked into the soul and onto the world. And she chose a community that had lost faith in its own creativity and humanity—prisoners. “I wanted to give them a way out of their desperation and ennui,’’ says Rani, who has, in the past nine years, roused the inmates of jails in Byculla, Kalyan, Arthur Road, Thane and Pune to paint, sing, recite poetry and perform drama by arranging workshops and lectures by artists and litterateurs. 

But providing convicts with catharsis isn’t that simple. “Seventeen convicts had volunteered for this performance and 11 stayed on. They were very reserved and lethargic at first, but after two days they thawed. Finally, they were so taken with the concept that they’d practice even if I didn’t show up,’’ Rani recalls. “And where before they’d retire morosely to their cells at dusk to reminisce about their family, they’d now energetically discuss the play. It diverted their minds.’’

At the workshops Rani interviews prisoners and puts them through drawing and physical exercises, exploring their talents. But she never probes the reason for their incarceration. “Once I asked a prisoner about his back story, and he begged me not to, saying he lost sleep for 15 days when he thought back to that incident.’’ So she focuses on their creativity and ideas. “I give them the threads,and leave them free to spin the yarn.’’

As with the last performance, the prisoners are jumpstarted with just the theme, like Addiction And AIDS. They then imagine each scene, with a little help from Rani. “I draw out their latent talents and prompt them to make connections,’’ says Rani, adhering to the Boalian doctrine that each person is at once spectator and actor. 

And while the staging of last Saturday’s play was admittedly amateurish, when you consider the context one 
would call it expert. Though thorough novices, the convictdrama-kings pulled off a concatenation of tableaux with vitality and skill—from a doping scene to a wedding and a market, and mafia, prostitution and death sketches. Hymns segued into humming, and props like dupattas became alternating symbols of conviviality or debauchery or danger. “When I had to speak before an audience in school, I would run and hide in the toilets,’’ said Jagda, proud of his portrayal of a predatory to-be father-in-law, who, in demanding a kingsize dowry, brags that he had recently refused the hand of Priyanka Chopra for his son. “The dialogue was all improvised,’’ laughs Rani, letting on that at that morning’s rehearsal, the scorned proposal was for Ambani’s daughter—an amendment made for reasons known only to the actors. 

As the play came alive, with new parts and tropes tacked on by the ‘lifers’, another addition was 27-yearold Prithviraj De, an undertrial eminent within those 19th-century walls as ‘the artist’. A graphic designer and art director, De, a quiet, diminutive chap, says he has been booked for murder, although injury caused to the second party was by way of self-defence. “I heard about this man who sketches portraits of prison life and the staff, and decided he must be part of the play,’’ narrates Rani. And that gave birth to the character of ‘creatorchronicler’—a person who sketches the occurrences on stage, and expresses his sorrow at the dissolution of man. 

If self-expression is what Rani strives for, she and her inmate actors managed it superbly. Even the superintendent of Thane jail, Y D Desai, was impressed. “People on the outside hold the false belief that convicts are no good. We need to change that misconception,’’ he says. And in congratulating his wards on their choice of subject, he narrated the anecdote about the demon who goaded a man to commit a crime. “Abuse your parents, the demon said. The man refused. Beat your wife. The man refused. Kill your friend. The man refused. The demon then suggested he do something far less criminal—he bade him take drugs. The man did, and went on to abuse his parents, beat his wife and kill his friend,’’ concluded Desai. The prisoners roared. Hopefully they will remember. ###

Press-Impress

There are some opinions on the press by well wishers. Here are some of the excerpts. 

Animesh Sen and others on the article of Harsh Kabra, Published in Outlook. We are waiting for your valuable comments and opinions. 

ART...captive..?
Posted 11/4/2005 @ 4:23 AM Candid Vision
Art...?... as dictionary says, is a product of human creativity. But, what uses of these products remain unless fellow humans have their faith or strictures bestowed upon them. Art is anything but an austere activity in which one resigns himself from the rest of the world and pours his creativity over a piece of paper or out of some instrument. Art is a form of human evolution and hence subject to social assessment. For it derives its motivation from the society itself, be it social subjugation or failure or suppression, or even the elation of mind. But then what about art in prison? What about the creativity of the people circumscribed behind the bars. Recently in Mumbai's jails there held a fest for creativity flow, in assumption that art, or expression of any kind, is a cathartic booster (Outlook, 7th November). Avitoko – Akshar Visahwa Ka Tosh Avivam Kosh – is a four year old organization that conceived the congregation in pursuit of establishing a connection between people of each side of bars. The Kavi Sammelan, had many veterans like Akshay Jain and Yagya Sharma, and even more many prison poets. They recited their verses in Hindi and English both. Their themes ranged from suppression to reformation. Avitoko is planning to publish their work, an idea that ail authority have eagerly welcomed. Ramesh Owale, an inmate of Thane Jail where he is serving life sentence, won a special award at a national painting competition. Another from Warli jail teaches painting to fellow inmates and wants to take it to prisons elsewhere. Life behind bars has not restrained the creativity. It's a tool that would connect the people outcaste through social and political means to the mainstream. Avitoko is working in this direction but solely on a single shoulder – 45-year-old Vibha - Hindi and Maithili playwright. Let's join hands on this side of the bar to help people on the other side and evolve a better tomorrow. 

http://mumbaigirl।net/2005/10/30/the-poet-in-his-prison/

There is a wonderful article in Outlook about the organisation Akshar Vishwa Ka Tosh Aivam Kosh or Avitoko founded by Hindi and Maithili playwright Vibha Rani that holds Kavi Sammelans in prisons and “has successfully used art, theatre and literature with mainstream and special children (like orphans or the mentally challenged), marginalised people, women, youth, even corporates to help them understand themselves, identify their strength, kill inhibitions and become confident.” You can read about it here

freakyTechie Says: November 15th, 2005 at 6:52 am
Nice to see Vibha Rani being noticed and discussed in Weblog world. I met her yesterday and found her home a collection of artifects and artworks. Before knocking the door of her home, I couldn’t see any number plate or something helping me match her name with the contact details I had with me. It was distinctiveness of even the outside of home, and surroundings of door, that made me be sure that that home belonged to Vibha Rani. The way she has manually decorated the in and out of the home was quite vivid in style and vibrance and so was the personality of the Lady, Vibha Rani.Ethnicity was quite visible in everything related to her, the effect of art was evident in her entire being.A great meeting, a great impression, result of a great luck!!- Vikas Agarwal

No bars Held

Its one more report, published by Indian Express, long back. Soon AVITOKO will bring its fresh activities for jail inmates and other 'special' people of our society. By the time, go through it and opine. Remember, your opinions value for the their betterment and creativity.   

No bars Held By Indian Express 

Monday August 7, 04:49 AM

Through her theatre workshops, Vibha Rani gets jail inmates to put on a new act. I have been in jail for over three years now, but the past two days were the happiest ever. I always wanted to do theatre and Avitoko gave me that opportunity. Now I am planning to pursue it as a career, once I am out," says Ramnath Helkar (name changed), an inmate of Arthur Road jail, in a letter.

Forty-five-year-old Vibha Rani, the founder of Avitoko, to whom it is addressed, is often complimented with such words. For the past five years, she has been organising theatre workshops for the benefit of jail inmates.

"Two to three years into their stay inside, the inmates' confidence is often shattered. Sometimes causing them to go back their old ways. Through these workshops, I feel I can make a difference to their future," says Rani.

A Hindi and Maithani writer by profession, Rani decided to start Avitoko-Akshar Vishwa Ka Tosh (contentment) Aivam Kosh (treasure)-five years ago. Through this, she now conducts workshops twice a month for inmates at jails in Byculla, Arthur Road, Thane and Kalyan.Using theatre, poetry and art, awareness messages on child marriage, AIDS, sati, child abuse and other social issues are also dispensed.

What has made Avitoko welcome to the prisoners is that ''we never ask them what their crime was,'' says Rani, adding, ''We just tell them that they have immense potential. It is surprising how creative and talented these people are.

"At one session, they came up with some very stunning collages. And it was easy to see that most of them reflected their own story through them.''

Rahul More and Ramesh Owale are serving life sentences at Byculla and Thane jails, respectively। Owale recently won a special judges' award at a national level art competition conducted by Avitoko. Whereas, More, who is a good hand at Warli, has now been given an opportunity to teach his art to other inmates.
साभार - इंडियन एक्सप्रेस

The Poet In His Private Prison.

"AVITOKO" HAD ORGANISED A "KAVI SAMMELAN" IN KALYAN JAIL IN 2005. HARSH KABRA HAD FEATURED THIS EFFORT FOR 'OUTLOOK'. THE SAME IS HERE FOR YOUR VIEWS.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Poet In His Private Prison

Lifers penning and reciting verse: that's just one way solutions to special needs can be truly creative

HARSH KABRA

http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?229161

Mumbai's Kalyan jail is an unlikely venue for a kavi sammelan. Even unlikelier is the sight of Mumbai's noted poets like Akshay Jain and Yagya Sharma sharing the stage with poets serving life sentences. At the sammelan, eight prisoners, including five women, pour their hearts out in verse. Ramesh Bhoir and Praveen Bharucha rue the few moments that wrecked their entire lives. And Janaki Iyer, who writes in English, longs to change the unfair ways of the world. 

"Nobody likes sermons these days," says Vibha. So, theatre as a mode of expression enables kids to overcome shyness and women to get rid of "unnecessary guilt".

Their themes range from suppression and separation to introspection and reformation.

Life behind bars hasn't restrained their creative streak. Such creativity, according to Akshar Vishwa Ka Tosh Aivam Kosh or Avitoko, the four-year-old organisation that conceived the sammelan, provides a much-needed support system to individuals as well as society. After gifting these prison poets the satisfaction of reciting their verse in the presence of veterans, Avitoko plans to publish their work, an idea jail authorities have welcomed. Avitoko believes in expression as a cathartic booster and has successfully used art, theatre and literature with mainstream and special children (like orphans or the mentally challenged), marginalised people, women, youth, even corporates to help them understand themselves, identify their strength, kill inhibitions and become confident. "As media of change, they can help develop positivism and banish negativism," says Vibha Rani, Avitoko founder-secretary and a Hindi and Maithili playwright-author. "They aid self-actualisation and create a person within a person."

As Avitoko's single-handed driving force, 45-year-old Vibha has turned activities like painting and collage-making into valuable modes of expression for children and grown-ups alike. Theatre, on the other hand, helps them hone their speaking skills, put forth their ideas and deal with issues bothering them. Children have overcome problems like shyness and stammering to excel in extra-curricular activities. The youth have chosen careers that their innate talents are best suited to. Women have enhanced their personality by getting rid of "unnecessary guilt" they often cage up within. "Nobody likes sermons nowadays," says Vibha. "Our participatory approach opens them up." That's why Avitoko only facilitates while participants manage everything from script and dialogue to props and action. The organisation encourages talent, be it through annual playwriting competitions or exhibitions of participants' works. Yet, many can't readily appreciate Avitoko's work, leaving it dependent for funds and help from a handful of like-minded people.

Avitoko decided to work with prisoners because social and legal barriers make it difficult to bring inmates into the mainstream. There are so many talents behind those bars. Take the case of Ramesh Owale and Rahul More, both in their thirties, serving life sentences in the Thane and Byculla jails for over a decade. Owale recently won a special award at a national painting competition. "His firm lines, befitting an artist, astonished the judges," recalls Vibha. More is a gifted Warli painter, he has taught the art to other inmates and wants to take it to prisoners elsewhere. With Avitoko's encouragement, he is also writing about himself.

Inmates of the Thane, Byculla and Arthur Road jails have also staged plays. "They innovate brilliantly," says Vibha. "Once, they made a policeman's batons out of paper and created sounds to make them seem real." Avitoko plans to take its activities, ranging from health camps to art workshops, to jails outside Mumbai. Greeting cards are also a regular feature but sadly, there aren't many takers yet for prison art, says Vibha. She's determined to do her bit to gain these people acceptance. ###

Deepal Shaw and Jail

Bollywood Actor Deepal Shaw had actively participated AVITOKO programs. She visited Byculla jail to celebrate her birthday with the kids of women jail inmates. She went to Yervada jail, Pune, where AVITOKO had organised an All Women Kavi Sammelan. Deepal had recited her poems along with others. A Times of India Report is placed below. You might have seen her in the film "A Wednesday", where she played the role of media reporter.

 Printed from

The Times of India -Breaking news, views. reviews, cricket from across India

Deepal 'Baby Doll' Shaw meets jail inmates28 Mar 2006, 0936 hrs IST,IANSSMS NEWS to
MUMBAI: Deepal Shaw, nicknamed 'Baby Doll' after her sizzling video Kabhi aar kabhi paar , paid a visit to Byculla jail here recently and was deeply moved by her interaction with the inmates। "I went to the jail to interact with the prisoners and add some colour to their dull lives. I wanted them to relate to me as Deepal and not Deepal Shaw," she said.

She visited the jail as part of the Mumbai-based organisation AVITOKO, which works for the welfare of underprivileged children and prison inmates using theatre and art as a medium of change.

"I was surprised to see the condition of the cells. It was more like a hostel than a jail. That gave me a sense of relief. Jail inmates were waiting for me and greeted me with a smile. As it was her fist visit to a prison, Deepal says she interacted with the women inmates. She discussed their problems and also organised an acting workshop for them.

"Though they are cut away from our progressive world, they are aware of their responsibilities and even prepared scripts on AIDS awareness and female infanticide. Their strength to cope up with life was so inspiring. "For a while I forgot all my worries and pain. This was an enlightening and eye opening experience. By the end of my visit I was Deepal and not Deepal Shaw for them!"
साभार- टाइम्स आफ इंडिया

No verses barred in Kalyan jail

AVITOKO conducts creative activities for jail inmates of Mumbai and Pune. Though this is an old report, but it is important for us to know that people, who are behind the bars, not only need such type of creative activity, but they also participate creatively. 
Courtesy: DNA, Mumbai

No verses barred in Kalyan jail

Bhargavi Kerur
Saturday, October 08, 2005 23:56 IST

Saturday was an eventful day for the inmates of the Kalyan district jail as some of them with a poetic streak were given a chance to present their skills at a kavi sammelan held in the premises.
At the sammelan, eight undertrials took centre-stage and recited their creations. Ironically, they were penned in dark, dingy quarters with some of the budding poets being tried for snuffing out human lives.
Some of them may have got consolation from the fact that even if they were not ‘heard’ by the courts, people at least listened to them while they recited their poems. Others were convinced of conviction, but in their doomed existence, they were giving life to some creative pieces of literature in Marathi, Hindi and English.
The event was organised by Avitoko, an NGO working exclusively to promote recreational activities among jail inmates in Mumbai. It was attended by eminent poets like Akshay Jain, Om Prakash Tiwari, Hridayesh Mayank, Vageesh Saraswat, Yagya Sharma and Kavita Gupta.
Among the eight participants, five were women, who dwelt more on the problems of the materialistic world, while men shared their deepest and darkest emotions. Janaki Iyer expressed her thoughts on law and order and solving the issue of child labour through her verses. Shireen Jeleva described the plight of a suppressed woman in the society. Among the men, Kamlesh Patre described his emotions of undergoing a painful separation from his wife as he remained confined within the jail walls. A mature thought emerged from Praveen Bharucha, when he narrated that his life in jail has made him a human being.
The groundwork for the session was done by Jail Superintendent Vijay Bendre, who was inspired by similar kavi sammelans at Pune’s Yeravada Jail. “This is the best way to explore their hidden talents,” he said. The honorary secretary Vibha Rani of Avitoko said the NGO plans to publish the poems of the inmates in two months.