Yoga camps in prisons of 33 districts of the state were organized by the State Yoga Board of Gujarat Government from Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) to Sardar Patel Jayanti (October 31). Over 2280 inmates, including five children of women inmates and one pregnant inmate were involved in the month-long ‘Ahimsa to Ekta Abhiyan’ held at the Central Jail in Rajkot.
With the approval and permission of State Director General of Police, Shri K. L.N. Rao and Jail Superintendent, Nasrudin Luhar at the Intermediate Jail in Popatpara, this month long event was successfully held. Over 2280 prisoners performed varied yoga asanas regularly. On this occasion, Jailor; B B Parmar, N.M. Chauhan, Women Jailer; Gitaben Parmar, Head Constable; Manish Rathore and the entire police staff was present.
Separate yoga camps were arranged for male and female prisoners in the jail premise. “The inclusion of yoga in prisoner-rehabilitation programs has yielded positive results. The success of the yoga camp reflects the efforts of the state government and the prison system to create a functional environment,” shares the jailer B.B. Parmar.
A male prisoner responded about this yoga camp and said that prison inmates have gained a new direction for a healthy life through yoga. Practicing yoga in daily life is very beneficial as it relieves common ailments like headache or stomach ache. “By practising it continuously for one month, we have become habituated to yoga,” says the prisoner. They are grateful to the jail staff, Yoga Board and the state government for such a beautiful arrangement.
While another female prisoner, Sheetal Baraiya, says, “Doing yoga in jail will keep the body and mind healthy. Our body feels energized, anger takes a back seat and the mind remains calm.”
Yoga was taught to the male inmates by State Yoga Board Saurashtra Zone Coordinator; Anilbhai Trivedi, Yoga Trainer; Hiteshbhai Kacha, Vishalbhai Khambhaita, Kishorebhai Rathore and to female inmates by Metropolitan Yoga Coordinator; Vandanaben Rajani and Geetaben Sojitra while the trainers were trained by Rashmiben Kacha, Miraben Dhadha and Nandiniba Rathore.
