“THIS IS NOT A JAIL.. it’s a juvenile observation home”, I was told before I walked into it today to conduct a group coaching session for the inmates of Pune’s Juvenile Home at Yerawada which houses 40 odd under-trial/ convicted youngsters between 16 and 18 years of age.

To be honest I was QUITE NERVOUS when I walked in after having heard that typically the inmates here face charges for petty offences (pick pocketing and thefts) as well as serious ones (murder and attempt to murder).

Despite some minor violence which I witnessed firsthand in the hall while I conducted the session, my nervousness gave way to compassion and empathy.

There was a mix of positive and negative energy in the room and I quickly realized that I had the task of inspiring, motivating and empowering them as well as healing and calming them down.

I have no idea how effective my session was, but it was heartening to see some of the youngsters come to me and ask me “Thank you Sir, tumhi parat kadhi yenar ithe?” (When will you come back here?)

I also had some amusing moments with them asking me questions like, “Why are you so fat?”, “Show me your phone/ what you have in your bag” and “Sir, take care of your wallet, one of us might steal it!”

C4U the NGO that organized this, as well as several other NGOs such as Pankh, Muskaan, Hope for Children, Prison Ministry India’s Pune chapter and others routinely conduct rehab programmes for these youngsters.

It is my dream to coach prison inmates at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune and do whatever I can to transform their lives but to be honest my own fear and nervousness have stopped me from doing that. And that has reduced a lot today.

It was really a privilege to touch the lives of these lost but wonderful souls. It was easily the most fulfilling thing I have done this year!