Shruti Suman
For many, the law eventually catches up with those who have taken the path of crime. Life behind bars is monotonous and bleak, characterized by the same daily routine within those grim prison cells. Imagine having to spend the remainder of your life there, with minimal chances of release. It’s understandable that you might feel inclined to give up and not invest effort into bettering yourself for the crimes you’ve committed and the people you’ve harmed. There’s no shame in admitting that you might have resigned to life’s challenges and succumbed to irrational thoughts, questioning the point of making amends when the likely outcome seems inconsequential. However, an alternative path is always available – one where you can learn anew and seek redemption.
At Yerawada Open Jail in Pune, Maharashtra, inmates have an opportunity for a fresh start. They face a choice – either to persist in their disheartening contemplations within the dreary cells or to effect a change. Many opt for the latter.
‘Shrunkhala’: Inmates Operate Restaurants
The first series of restaurants to be established across Maharashtra’s prisons was introduced by the state’s Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, as reported by The Indian Express. This initiative, named ‘Shrunkhala’ (which translates to “chain” or “series”), involves incarcerated individuals managing eateries catering to the public.
The inaugural chain of restaurants, situated near the Yerwada Open Jail in Pune, is staffed by 15 inmates, all serving life sentences. Among them, seven work in the kitchen, while the remaining eight are responsible for customer service. Uniforms – comprising t-shirts and pants – have been provided to them. The staffing may expand in accordance with business growth.
“I cannot erase the dark phase of my life, but I have the choice to move forward. I hope that working at this restaurant, alongside fellow inmates with similar aspirations, will assist me in achieving that,” remarked one incarcerated individual in the report. This person is serving a life sentence for the murder of a neighbor.
