Hot tea was served in the Jail.

We discussed in detail with Subodh, who had agreed to conduct workshop for the inmates at   Thane Central Jail. He was equally exited like me. We discussed on- “How many people will go there? How interestingly will we conduct workshop? What time we will go? How will we go?” Jail superintendant had warned us that big gathering should be avoided. I was also in favor of the same. Finally we decided that Subodh, me, Vidha and her friend Ali Akbar Mehta, who was also the then student of JJ School of Art, Mumbai and a very good aspiring artist, will go together. Ali has a very strong background of art from his family. His grandfather Tyab Mehta, is a world class renowned artist. Subodh suggested that we all will travel by his car along with materials.

And on scheduled Saturday, We all three, Me, Vidha and Ali met at a decided place, where Subodh joined us. He has a luxury car. I was still going with my Maruti Zen only. We kept all drawing material in the dickey. Subodh took front seat. His driver was a young guy and very good in driving. He helped us a lot during the workshop also. It was looking that Subodh has trained him as his assistant. Without asking anything, he understands the instruction of Subodh and do the work efficiently.  

We all three took back seat. Soon Ali slept. We were also taking our nap in between. We had started quite earlier to avoid traffic. Luckily we did not get any traffic that day. With the result, we reached much earlier than the schedule.

We all were thinking- “What to do?” Finally we decided; let us search some moderated place for breakfast. Within no time, we got that. Everyone was told to take heavy snacks. We cannot expect any hospitality from jail. We had bought some water bottle to take inside for our drinking purpose.

After breakfast and tea, we were near to schedule. We enter in the premise. As usual, we were stopped- “Thamba Madam! Kuthe janar?” (Madam, please stop. Where you would like to go?”)

I narrated- “We have come from AVITOKO. Today, we have our art workshop for the inmates. These are my group members and these are the materials for conducting workshop.”

They saw us and our bundles. One senior official nodded his head and we moved ahead. Again, the big lawn area was there- with green trees, flower plants, police vans, and above our tricolor national flag. Huge gate was before us. We were moving towards the gate and in the middle, again we were stopped, “Ho Madam, Kuthe jaycha?”

Again same answer was repeated. It was a little irritating. But we understand that they are doing their duty. We don’t have any right to interrupt. And our irritation has no meaning for security.  

We got green signal from here and once again we started moving towards the gate. I was ahead. I stood in front of the gate. Security from inside opened the whole of the gate and asked me the purpose of my visit. I once again, narrated the same, but included that I have been called be Dhamne Saheb.

By listing the name of his superntendant, he became a little polite and said, “OK. You stand over there. We are informing Saheb.” I moved towards a corner and stood. My group members were also moved to that place. They were looking the surrounding and at me. I said them what the orderly had told to me. Several kinds of people were going in and coming out from the gate. They were contract labor, prisoners, policemen and jail officials.

Almost after five minutes, again the whole of the gate got opened for me. My name was called. One person told me, “Madam, they are calling you.”

I moved towards the gate. One official from inside had confirmed my name. Then he permitted me to come inside. I entered along with my group people. He asked, “So many people?”

I said, “Yes. We have our program today no.”

All entered inside. No, it was not the inside area. Again there was another huge gate inside. In between, there was a cabin for the jailer, a place for depositing the belongings of new inmates, a place for frisking of new entrants and deep inside, the huge and grand cabin of Superintendant and other small cabins for his other officers. We were told to deposit our money and mobiles. I said, “We want to meet Dhamne Saheb first.”

“For that also, you have to deposit your mobiles here.”

We have no options but to deposit. It was our first group visit. Before that, I had taken an art and theatre workshop for women inmates, which I had narrated earlier. This was a big event for us. We all were curious.

We went inside. Mr. Rajendra Dhamen was sitting in his chair. His uniform was supporting his rough and tough personality. His cap was hanged on a hanger. A mirror was there in his back side corner.

He wished us and offered the seat. Water was served. I introduced everyone. He welcomed everyone with a grand yet a little mischievous smile. He asked me, “How many inmates you want for the workshop?”

I said, “As discussed earlier, 25-30 people would be enough. We have come along with the preparation for that population only. Getting more people would be difficult to handle”

“How you will teach them?”

“Its experiential. We exactly, can’t explain, but Mr. Subodh will be the right person to elaborate.” I smiled and indicated my finger towards Subodh.

Subodh, in his soft but firm voice explained – “We will do some exercise first to re-orient the participants. Then we will guide them to paint. At present, I don’t know, what they will paint, because everything will depend on their imagination.”

“You please come and see.” I said humbly.

Mr. Dhamne smiled, “Yes, definetly.”

Tea was served. We all took it without speaking any word. In fact, we all were willing to go inside and to start the programme as we were running sort of time. But we can’t say the same. So we all were taking sips of tea without saying any word. No need to mention that Mr. Dhamne was watching all of us very minutely while performing his other duties, such as signing the papers, instructing his subordinates, picking up the phones, talking to other visitors etc.  (Contd.)    

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

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

Work of Art from Jail

After announcing Art Competition in open catagory, I started waiting for views,comments and of course, entries. I got very bitter remarks that how a 4 year child will stand before a 44 years old veterans? I was told, that in the name of art, you are making us fool. Some said, this will not get successful. My fingers were crossed. I was just waiting. In spite of people's comments and reactions, entries started coming from all over India.
One fine day, I got a call from the Jailer of Thane Central Jail- "Madam! We had seen advertisement of your Art Competition. We have one inmate name Ramesh Owle. He is very good in art. He is a very good man too. He had participated in various programs and competitions and he scored every where. We request to accept his entry also". He was a littele apprehensive that whether a prisoner can participate or not.
I heard him pateintly and told that this competition is open for all. So, each and every person of this earth is entitled to participate in it.
He sent his entry.  It was a pencil sketch. A highly professional lines and sketch. I dont know any thing about art and drwaing, but to see that work, I was very happy. I was sure that certainly this work would be liked by the judges. But what will happen, if it wont liked by them?
Positive-negative-both thoughts came into my mind. but, I did not care. I just thought- "let stipulated period get over. Let me request some artists to judge these entries. .........

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...  

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....

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.