Kiran Bedi, Tihar Jail: Learn English (US) - Story for Children "BookBox.com"

<p>Kiran Bedi gets a 'punishment' posting in Tihar jail, where some of the most dangerous convicts are imprisoned. She transforms this hell on earth into a veritable Ashram.&nbsp; Kiran Bedi, Tihar...&nbsp;&nbsp; Tihar Jail The jail warden led me through a dark winding passage. I was almost suffocated by the humid stench of the open gutters that lined the walls. Soon we came to an opening where hundreds of people, all dressed in striped rags, stood looking at me in wonder. The warden suddenly broke the silence by yelling some commands at the crowd. Where there was space for 2,500 prisoners, more than 10,000 were herded together within the walls of Tihar jail. I thought to myself, if there was a hell on earth, this was it. That very moment I realized why I had been posted as the Inspector General, or IG, of the infamous Tihar jail in Delhi. I had to do something to improve the condition of the prisoners. I knew that it would be the toughest challenge in my career. I began to visit the prisoners every day. I was told that the IGs posted there before me never set foot inside the jail premises. In the beginning, the prisoners would crowd around me and not speak much because they feared the wardens. I would sit among large groups and discuss their problems. I knew that apart from improving the hygiene and general condition of the prison, I had to also keep the prisoners busy so that they would not have any time to get into trouble. I started by introducing some simple but effective routines for them such as walks around the prison, sporting events and cultural events like singing and acting. I soon formed a group of trusted officials who helped me. A major problem that my team and I faced was that of religious groupings and enmity between them. To put an end to this danger we began to celebrate festivals from all religions, such as Rakhi, Holi, Ramzaan and Christmas.&nbsp;</p>