Reformed juveniles felicitated

First of its kind programme felicitates juveniles who have reformed and are now leading constructive, fruitful lives

“It’s only humane to make errors. So what if we did something bad? We are moving on and so will life,” said one of the former inmates of the Juvenile special home. He was speaking at the felicitation programme organised at the Juvenile Justice Board premises. This felicitation programme was the first of its kind and presented nearly 100 former inmates who have now turned over a new leaf, and lead regular, crime-free lives with certificates of appreciation.

The event organised by the Resource Cell for Juvenile Justice saw a heavy footfall. Amidst the generally cheerful mood was a triumph of the counsellors and other activists who had worked with these inmates for a long term. Most of these then teenaged and now grown-up boys had college degrees, a job or both. Some worked to help their families, while others are trying to forgo the life of crime and achieve something.

Two of the ex-convicts were called on to the stage to talk about their journey. One of them, who was brought in for allegedly committing a robbery, has now enlisted in the army. “I had tried for the police entrance but I missed out in the written exam. However, my army entrance has gone well and they have called me for round 2 on August 27,” he said, amidst rousing applause from his peers.

Another boy, who was sent to the home for a murder, has now turned into a teacher. “I was in standard XII, when I fell into bad company. Even though I did not commit the crime, I was branded as a murderer. So, the first thing I wanted to do is to help children like me who without any proper guidance and support fall into the treacherous trap,” he said. He now takes free of cost classes for underprivileged children in one of the slums along with finishing his college education. “I have worked hard to really change the mindsets of these kids. I am trying to make them aware about how education is more important,” he said.

While some of the children didn’t turn up, most were happy to have left behind the life they had and were ready to start afresh. According to Sameer Sheikh, the RCJJ member who managed the programme, “We are glad whenever our children do well. So, it is a nice feeling when so many turn up and explain how their lives have been enriched by their experience here. It makes sure that our counseling hasn’t gone in vain.”

gargi.verma@goldensparrow.com

Originally published on The Golden Sparrow