A Visit To Central Jail!

 

As an intern at a news portal, I was assigned to cover an event conducted by President Awardee motivational speaker Poonam Shroti. This was not a regular coverage as we had to head to the Central Jail for the event. I kept waiting for the day eagerly, and the night before my big day, I could not even flap an eyelid the entire time.

Thoughts raced through my mind - in a country where people fear the sight of a cop when they should feel safe, what would I encounter? My imagination conjured images of numerous prisoners - rapists, murderers, drug addicts - individuals convicted of crimes that send shivers down your spine.

Finally, the day arrived, and we reached the Central Jail, greeted by waiting police officers. Initially, I felt intimidated, but their warmth put me at ease. They escorted us to the auditorium. Surprisingly, the jail was beautiful, nothing like I had imagined. Its stunning gardens, waterfall, and temple fascinated me.

Around 500 prisoners, dressed in their prison uniforms, stared at us incessantly, which made me uncomfortable. However, as the session commenced, a sense of ease settled in. During the question-answer round, they opened up about their reasons for being incarcerated; some confessed their crimes and expressed their yearning to return home.

There were doctors, lawyers, engineers and many well-educated people, but their blunders in anger made them suffer for a lifetime. Overall, it was an amazing experience one can ever have.