Last Monday, I happened to visit Tihar Jail, south Asia's largest prison complex with one of my colleague to impart training to identified inmates who would impart literacy to functionally illiterate inmates. 

After an hour long wait, when we entered prison#2, we didn't anticipate that the next few hours would be going to be insightful and surprisingly inspiring. We were received by Guddu, only after an hour we realized he was also one of the inmate and because of his good conduct, he was given the role of in-charge education initiative. In last few years, he pursued nine degrees in fields varying from masters in social work,marketing, value education etc. Profoundly sharing - an empty mind invites, negative thoughts. We learnt that he has imparted literacy to more than 500 inmates. 

All our belongings were kept outside the prison and we were literally locked in Prison #2 till the time we were inside. When we needed the laptop to show the software we had, I had to go with Guddu at the entrance, at that time, my colleague became a little uncomfortable finding herself in the middle of convicts. Though there was a jailor, but her discomfort was understandable given her first experience to such a place. Observing the scenario Guddu reached out to us and assured - "Madam, you are safer inside than you are outside" gathering her courage she stayed back and had built the connect with the space.

We started the session at11:45 AM and concluded at 3 PM. We had to skip our lunch, knowing the same, jailor and inmates asked if we would have lunch inside and we agreed to receive one of the most sumptuous lunch I had in recent times. They(inmates) literally hosted as if we were guests and they were hosts, doing manuhar (a practice prevalent in villages of offerings to have more food). Many inmates shared with us that- sir and madam you are lucky to receive the food in prison without being a prisoner.  

While we were waiting for the lunch to come, we happened to have some time with one of the inmate, Mahesh, who was very keen in learning the software and I was intrigued to find out his motivation. He was apparently in-charge of the meditation hall where we had the session. On asking about his motivation, he shared - " sir, so many people have left their wisdom in books, I feel blessed that I can read these books and learn from them. I want to help those who can't read." On asking what are his favorite books, he took name of Rhonda Brown and The Secret. He shared that "I strongly believe in the message of The Secret, I was looking for ways to help others learn and you came to teach". We conversed further, knowing that Vipassana courses are hosted in the prison , I inquired if he pursue. And he responded, yes, two hours a day and even right now I am observing my sensations !!! He further shared that I feel gratitude towards so many people who contribute their time and skills in benefiting inmates like him and others and he feels inspired observing the selfless attitude of people. When we were conversing, Satpal Singh, the jailor also echoed what he experiences almost every day. He mentioned that an old man visits the prison to conduct meditation sessions every Monday, and he stops at least thrice on the way since he feels exhausted while walking. One day he asked old man why does he  take so much pain to come here? the old man responded- "I have lived my life, I want to share with others what I learnt , you never know what impact it may have". Listening to Satpal Singh, Mahesh echoed again and appreciated Satpal Singh that he bears a serene smile and his presence is soothing. I was amazed to witness the powerful circle happening amongst four of us. On asking Mahesh, what is his biggest learning, he shared - "sir, we can't go outside, but we can go inside". Literally, given the bars and prison walls, the scope of going outside was limited but the journey one can have inside has no limits ! 

Mahesh, Guddu and many others, inside the Prison#2, left me inspired that the goodness has no bars, that the gratitude can be experienced at most unthinkable places, and once its experienced, there is no suffering (as our friend shares). Mahesh shared that he wants to help others, and wants to pay it forward what he received while being inside, and when he will be outside. Yesterday, while watching the prophet, remembering Mahesh, I was reflecting that no matter what outside journeys we are part of, we all can go inside !!!