I was very happy. One of my dreams was becoming true- working
with a great numbers of jail inmates with a large perspective. It was not a
first occasion, where I was organising any program for any jail. After getting
a moral boost up from Kiran Bedi, I had started interaction with jail authorities
and after completing all required formalities, I had started conducting
programs for jail inmates. Before Thane Central Jail, I had conducted couple of
programs with women inmates of Byculla jail.
My very first program for the women inmates of Byculla jail
was a real experience for me. After completing all relevant procedure by jail
authority, I had been given a program for the last week of March, 2003. I had
decided earlier that my field of working would be Art, Theatre, Literature,
Culture and Education. These are my strength. I wanted to boost up their morale
through indirect method of interaction. It was quite difficult to convince jail
authorities that what actually I wanted to do? Mental relief? Moral
boosting?? Dealing with their
inhibitions and capacity through art and theatre???
It was a real difficult phase for me. Initially, I had
started feeling that I am unable to explain my theme, my way of interaction, as
my dealing with the participants is based on experience, which can be felt, but
can’t be expressed in words. It’s something like narrating the quality of food
without tasting it. I was determined
with one line- “You please give me a chance Sir. Your inmates will speak later
on.”
Finally, I was given an opportunity with lots of unwritten
instructions, apart from written. I accepted everything. I remember, it was
perhaps last week of March, 2003. I wanted to open my program near about 8th
March, to denominate International Women’s Day. But no problem! Whatever the
date, I was happy.
I was excited. But, at the same time, I was a little
apprehensive. What kind of these women would be? Will they listen and act
accordingly? It was my first visit, inside the jail. I would be with the
inmates. So, I was a little nervous and a little scared also. I wanted some
company. (Ha ha ha! You won’t believe, but for my moral support) I asked some
of my women friends, as jail authority had clearly told me not to bring any
male companion for the program. My friends showed high enthusiasm and at
eleventh hour, refused. There were many reasons- Husband, Children and prior
appointments. I once again remembered Tagore’s line- “Ekla Cholo Re!”
It was a 2 day Art & Theatre Workshop, I had organized.
I was sure about theatre part, as it’s my field. But, Art? I cannot draw a
straight line properly even! I asked my daughter. She was doing her BFA from JJ
School of Art, Mumbai. She really rescued me. As usual!
I had bought note pads and pens for inmates. I had an idea
like my other corporate programs, where everything is highly systematic. I
wanted same perfection here also. How fool I was!
The Day, after performing all formalities, I was taken
inside by women jail personnel. It was a small ground + first floor building-
very old, gloomy with filthy smell. Ground floor was dark and dingy. First
floor was a little better. I was taken to a so called hall, which length and
breadth was almost like a small room of any house. It was basically kept for
Balvadi, where children of women inmates used to play and learn. A sewing
machine was also there and capturing much space. I was aghast! In such a small
place, how will I conduct my theatre workshop!
Inmates were not interested to come. I was inside the hall.
Jail personnel were literally requesting them to participate. Finally, some
young women arrived. I started interacting with them through theatrical
exercises. After some exercises, they were told to write their names and some
other lessons.
“How will we write?”
“Will give you pen and pad.” I opened my bags and started
distributing pen and pads……And …..!
Barrack and door of the hall were open. Moment other inmates
saw the distribution, they entered in the hall like a storm. Initially, I took
everyone inside. I was happy that may be the pen and pads are their motivation
to join the workshop. But soon, I came on the harsh reality. After exhausting pen
and pads, I was just gheraod by remaining inmates. They all were insisting for
pen and pads. Two women from South Africa were furious and in attacking mood. I
was promising them subject to allow me to go out and buy for them. But, they
were in their mind that if I will go out, I won’t be back and thus they won’t
get stationary.
I was in real crisis. I was scared that they will hit me. My
inner voice was teasing me, “Enjoy your social activity and efforts to create a
bubble within them my Darling!... Better you save yourself first.”
Security was not there. But seeing my condition may be some
of the inmates informed security. Lady Constable rushed. They literally pulled
and slapped them. But in spite of it, they were not ready to leave me without
taking their share for their so called participation in the workshop. I was
promising again and again.
Lady Constable fired me- “Who had told you to distribute?
Don’t know that this is jail? Here everybody wants everything, whether they
need or not. Now, you go home.”
“But, I had promised them. And second thing, I will have to
come tomorrow also as my program is for two days. No problem to buy some more
sets of stationary. I will go and bring for them.”
They saw me like a fool. Showing emotions and that also for
those jail inmates, whom I have not seen before. But, in my opinion, promise is
promise. I went to the market, bought sets of stationary and distributed. To my
surprise, they just took and went back to their place. I was just alone in the
hall.
Its wonderful to read your jail diary. Waiting for next post...!
ReplyDeleteThank you Meena. Posting is planned for twice in a week- Saturday and Wednesday.
ReplyDelete