Learning computer behind the bars

The idea of having computers in the prison was initiated by the joint efforts of Navjeevan Mandal, an NGO working towards the rehabilitation of prisoners and the IG Prisons T Shingarvel. The Jnyana Prabodhini provided two computers and an instructor to conduct classes which are held daily. Two months after the classes started, the prisoners are taking active interest in computers. According to jail superintendent Ramrao Chaudhury, 8220;The vocational training received here is getting quite outdated. Computers will help in their rehabilitation in an age dominated by computer technology.8221;Sameer Thakkar who takes the classes says, 8220;Initially I thought I didn8217;t have to take things seriously, but when I saw that the inmates were showing interest I took this as a challenge.8221;

At present, a batch of fourteen students are availing of this facility. The fourteen students are chosen according to their educational qualification and interest. 8220;We were selected after an interview by the Dnyan Prabodhini authorities,8221; says 32-year-old Harvinder Singh, who has completed six years in prison. A graduate from Lala Lajpatrai College of Commerce, Mumbai, Harvinder loves computers8217;. 8220;I had no training in computers but I always wanted to learn it. I would also read articles on computers from newspapers provided by the jail authorities,8221; he says.

His friend, Amrik Singh, is happy at the opportunity. 8220;I would like to thank the superintendent for providing this facility. It will surely help us in the future,8221; says this commerce graduate. Kamal Shetty, another inmate declares, 8220;It8217;s just another medium to vent out frustration as I am more worried about my future.8221;

Asked what his plans he says, 8220;I have done a basic course in photography and would like to become a photo journalist. But it all depends whether they admit an ex-convict in any kind of course. But this facility would help me in using some of my skills after the photograph is scanned,8221; says Kamal.

An excellent artist, Jaganath Chavan is thrilled at the prospect of having to practice his skill on the computers. 8220;I use Paintbrush and I would like to try out new experiments in this field,8221; says Chavan.

8220;Exposing us to the latest technology has helped us a lot and will also help us in the future,8221; he says. The computer classes have given the prisoners a chance to feel that they are not entirely in a different world. Despite having to deal with problems of dejection and social stigma, which in their course of their stay would plague their mind, the prisoners are eager to learn and are ready to release the shutters of the dark recesses of their soul and go forward and touch and feel the beauty of life.