The pre-novices of DBYK, Jharsuguda had the golden opportunity to visit the prisons at Jharsuguda, Sundargarh and Sambalpur along with the PMI (Prison Ministry India, Jharsuguda unit) executive members on 8th, 9th and on 10th of March 2022. Limited numbers of persons were allowed; therefore the pre-novices were divided into three groups so that all could get this valuable experience. The first group of pre-novices went to Jharsuguda sub jail on 8th of March, the second group went to Sundargarh district jail on 9th march and the third group went to Sambalpur regional jail on 10th of March.
It was the initiative of the PMI Jharsuguda unit to celebrate the international Women’s Day with the women prisoners in all the three prisons of the region. So, at their request the pre-novices went along with them to organize the women’s day programme. The women’s day programme consisted of action songs, dances, various competitions, party games and a mime with a message. During the programme the women prisoners were welcomed and honoured in a very special way. In all the prisons, Fathers, Sister’s as well as the jail superintendents addressed the inmates, thanking them, appreciating them and encouraging them for the roles that they play in the lives of individuals, families, society, nation and the world at large. At the end of the programme, the women prisoners were also offered gifts like sarees, dresses, toiletries, sweets, fruits etc. by the PMI executive members.
Going to the prison to organize a programme for the prison inmates was a totally new experience for the pre-novices; therefore they were anxious and fearful. However, they were able to put up wonderful shows in all the three prisons and could make the superintendents of the jails as well as the inmates very happy and cheerful. All the three groups were well appreciated for their outstanding performance by the prison authorities as well as the PMI executive members.
The pre-novices themselves expressed that at first they were a bit anxious and fearful but after having gone there and organized the women’s day programme they felt really happy and satisfied. When asked to share their personal experiences of organizing such a programme for the prisoners, pre-novice Jashbir said, “I felt a great sense of satisfaction, as I could bring smile on their faces.” “I was amazed to see them happy and joyful even though they were in prison” said pre-novice Ravi Ranjan. Further pre-novice Arpan said, “For me it was a beautiful opportunity to go and cheer the prisoners up.” Thus, the pre-novices had varied experiences of going and organizing programmes for the prisoners. They said that through this event they gained more confidence, overcame stage fear and learnt to plan and to organize a programme as per different situations and circumstances.
This precious and unique experience was made possible because of the initiative of the PMI Jharsuguda unit and the openness of the jail superintendents of all the three jails. The pre-novices also expressed their views that the superintendents of all the three jails were very friendly and cooperative.
Cl. Salmon Minj
DBYK Jharsuguda