Puducherry Inspector General of Prisons, Ravideep Singh Chahar, believes that rehabilitation is very important for convicted criminals to help them re-enter society as better human beings. Hence, the IPS officer wanted to develop a program that not only looks at the holistic development of the inmates but also focuses on them as individuals and establishes a reconnecting with society.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Chahar shared details about his rehabilitation program for the inmates of Puducherry Central Jail.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
When an inmate enters prison for a long term, they are filled with a deep sense of alienation. They tend to go into a shell because of which their mental well-being, their ability to create interpersonal and social relationships, and most importantly, their physical health gets affected.
“I wanted to develop a comprehensive program that focuses on the inmates in an all-rounded manner. Therefore, first and foremost, I decided to set up health check-up camps for them, wherein they were examined thoroughly,” Mr. Chahar said.
Along with dental and eye check-ups, the inmates were also provided mental health check-ups, which was an equally important aspect of their well-being. “If they are not healthy, both physically and mentally, they won’t be able to participate in rehabilitation programs effectively, and the program itself will also not have its best possible impact on them,” Mr. Chahar explained.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
To help the inmates learn useful skills that go beyond the walls of the prisons, he set up skill development activities that could help them earn a livelihood when they leave the prison premises. Through this skill development, the officer also paved a way for the inmates to earn while still in the prison, so that they can help their families outside, monetarily.
“Families of the inmates are, unfortunately, the most ignored part of reform programs. So our idea is to involve their families as well. We try to find out what their families are doing. We have further tied up with some NGOs who help in sponsoring the inmates’ children’s education, and we also involve their wives and children in skill development programs to help them stand on their feet,” Mr. Chahar told Indian Masterminds.
Under the program, the inmates are taught skills such as making handbags, jute products, woven materials, statues, idols, etc. The Ganesha idols made by Puducherry prisoners during Ganesh Chaturthi 2021 were an instant hit among the public and were completely sold out within 10 minutes!
The officer has also given a brand name to the products made by the inmates. The name is ‘A Second Chance’, as he believes that everyone deserves a second chance in their life and this particular program helps them in getting just that.
FARMING AND ANIMAL CARE
On behalf of the Sri Aurobindo Society Charity of the Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry, coaching on built-in farming and natural farming is being provided to the prisoners. Natural farming is chemical-free and involves the cultivation of over 67 varieties of fruits, flowers, seeds, pulses, vegetables, herbs, etc. together.
Almost five acres of land inside the jail premises have been allotted for farming, and prisoners have been ploughing this land, which was lying unused for years. Crops like bananas, tomatoes, eggplants, watermelons, papayas, chilies, turkey berries, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, apples, oranges, and sunflower among others are being cultivated. The crops are also being used for the jail kitchen.
Apart from farming, an animal shelter has also been established inside the jail premises, which is home to rabbits, cows, goats, hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, etc. These animals are taken care of and reared by the prisoners.
“The idea is to make them feel that they are living in a community or a village with a farm so that they do not lose touch with the outside world. Moreover, the satisfaction of making or cultivating something and working hard for it, or caring for another life, uniquely helps them. I feel this community living setup will help in reforming them in a better manner,” shared the IPS officer.
The results and the revenue gained from the farm are impressive. The inmates are very happy to be able to contribute to the farm with their service. They started farming on two acres of land which has been now expanded to five acres and the officer plans to extend it even more.
DANCE AND MUSIC THERAPY
A novel idea experimented with by Mr. Chahar was of providing dance and music therapy to the inmates. He invited dance experts from across the country to join them in this endeavor. The therapy helps the inmates in coming out of their shells, in expressing themselves, and in loosening up and losing themselves to the beats of the music.
“It’s a big stress buster for them. This therapy has shown great results and positive success in reformation. The inmates told me that they feel invigorated after these sessions and it helps them in sleeping better,” Mr. Chahar said.
He also involves the prisoners in physical fitness activities such as yoga, inviting fitness experts to take fitness sessions and teach the inmates about the perks of a healthy lifestyle.
All this is being done to rehabilitate the prisoners in a way that when they leave the jail premises, they are ready to start a life of respect, dignity, and hard work and become contributing members of society.
