MINCY
Background
Mincy has parents and a younger sister. Her father was very strict with her. Mincy was closer to her father and her mother loved the younger one. Mincy’s parents also had problems. Both the girls went to school and studied up to the 7th and 8th standard.
Because their father was very strict both the girls were not allowed to go out. Mincy waited for a chance to get out. At one time she was daily going out to get milk. Slowly she fell in love with a boy. They came close to each other, wrote love letters and began to have fun and jokes. Few days they enjoyed each other’s company. Then he took her gold chain and said he would put it in the bank, rent a small room and they would live together. She agreed to it.
He came back arranging to sell her to the flesh trade. He took her to a big hotel in Ernakulum city. He put her in a room and went out pretending to buy something. That was the end of the love affair. He never returned to the hotel. Only after six months, she managed to come out with one of the customers. The next morning he did leave her alone. She immediately went to the house of her parents, but they did not allow her to even enter the house. She requested them to listen to her at least. But her parents and her sister chased her out. With that anger within her, she came back to the streets and joined other women who were ready to grab her into their group.
From then onwards Mincy developed a bitter attitude towards her parents as well as towards men. Because of what her boyfriend had done to her, she was ready to jump into any crime, including alcohol, smoking, drugs, pick -pocketing. She was especially known for stealing the neighbour’s chickens. She would go to anybody’s house at anytime of the night and take away clothes whenever she wanted, and moved about as a man. Mincy was a huge figure with a very dark complexion. She was known among them – in jail as well as in the surrounding where she lived as “glass Mincy” or “Knife Mincy”. Because she used glass pieces or a knife to defend herself, to attack others including policemen,. She used glass piece to cut herself and threaten. Her left hand had a number of such marks.
Mincy was a threatening figure in her area. She said the policemen themselves have used her and other women, while they are out on the streets or bus stand. Once she narrated a story, which shocked everyone. She was angry with a policeman and in order to teach him a lesson, first she made friendship with him and invited him to join her for a nightcap. He happily accepted her invitation without realizing what was in store for him. Mincy fed him with good food and strong alcohol unitl he was unconscious. She then moved his clothes and put them on herself, wrapped him up with her saree and left him there. And the next day she went to his house and handed over his clothes. Whenever Mincy narrated stories of this type, she made herself the “Hero”.
Another time one of her gang members let out a secret to the police. Mincy knew who had done it. She planned a similar idea to punish her. The gang normally went to a forest place during the day to enjoy themselves. Once about six of them went there, had good food and had a bit fun among them then the “Devil of Revenge” emerged from Mincy. She caught hold of this lady and tied her to a tree naked. It did not end there. She collected some big ants and put them on her private parts and standing a bit away they enjoyed the scene. This scene surely reminded me of the crucifixion of Jesus. The soldiers mocked Jesus saying “Come down”. This woman too was kept there for 2or 3 hours (may be the worst king of imprisonment). Later they relieved her.
Another occasion revealed the soft side of Mincy, when agreed to look after a man who was involved in a murder case. Both his hands were impaired badly. She stayed with him and looked after him day and night. They agreed to settle down together. But to her surprise, after caring for him for about 8 months, he got well and disappeared. By this time she also went to home a couple of times. Most of her neighbours were afraid of her. On one occasion she went to the house and had a solid fight with her father. Mincy also hanged herself on the wooden beam of the house. But fortunately the beam broke and she fell.
Mincy’s parents kept praying that their daughter would change her way of life. She spent many years like a hero there. I would like to quote one more story of hers, which is very revealing in terms of her personality. One night after she had completed her relationship with men, she came out wearing a shirt and pants. She hired an auto -rickshaw. The driver agreed to take her out because he was afraid of her. After a few minutes she asked him to stop the auto. After about few kms she stopped, to the driver to wait there till she gets the money from someday. She never returned. The poor auto driver could not so anything.
Then came her turning point. When she had a fight with another fellow and got a bad wound. She was in hospital for a long time. She was looked after by one of her customers – who had agreed to marry her and to live with her. Being a well-known sex –worker of the area, the doctors also were not interested. The wound got worse and she was told that she might not survive. Then she realized her misbehavior. She asked to see her parents before she should die. As soon as her mother heard the news, she wanted to go to visit Mincy, but the father was not willing. Then with great pressure on the part of the mother, he allowed her to go and see Mincy. Mincy’s mother gave some money to the doctor so that she would get better treatment for her daughter. Mincy slowly showed improvement.
Mincy wanted to come home and live there. But her father was still reluctant to take her. Finally her mother pleaded for her and she was brought home on condition that she did not go back to her past life. In time, her parents advised her to go to the Ashram. Though reluctant. She agreed.
Mincy at the Ashram
Mincy was brought to the Ashram by her own parents. Before they left the Ashram, the parents also said that their second daughter who is married with a child is in prison. They expressed their desire to bring her as well to the Ashram.
Mincy took great pleasure in proclaiming her stories loud to other inmates. Slowly we had to put a stop to this habit. We allowed her to pour out her life story to the sisters or the counselor – who came from a Family- counseling Centre. At times she would threaten us by saying she wanted to leave. The first time I spoke to her gently and convinced her to stay she agreed. Later on, after a few months, she came with her bags ready to leave. I gently told Mincy she could go and offered her travel fare. After a few minutes she changed her mind and never again expressed the desire to leave. At times we too have to be very firm with them and not give into their whims and fancies.
Mincy had very little self-esteem. Any time we confronted her about her behavior, she referred to her- self as a “prostitute” and put the blame on us. A second time I heard that, I spoke to her very firmly. I told her that she was calling herself a prostitute and not others. I told her that I did not want to hear this again from her lips. She was also counseled to accept herself as a good person and not to go over the past all the time. She had a lot of guilt feelings, which she was also helped to overcome. Of course it was not easy for Mincy to do this. Yet she tried her best and everybody helped her, encouraged her, though some staff and few residents were afraid of her. Only with good moral strength and God’s power we could control her.
Her parents often visited her at the Ashram; this bought a feeling of belonging to Mincy. Mincy stayed for one year at the Ashram. It was time for rehabilitation. Her house was a one-room tenement for the parents and the daughters, in order to make it easier for them; we found sponsors and helped the parents to build another room. They did that with the help of a contractor. But before they started living in it, it collapsed. Then the parents began to think of selling the house so they could move to a new place and begin afresh. They were hesitant to do so. Then Mincy was sent to another centre of ours for a second stage of rehabilitation process. There she made an exit because the centre was not yet well organized. It had just begun functioning. She stayed with them for a few months though trying to play the hero. Being in a new situation, she did take advantage on many occasions. She eventually returned to her parents, but unfortunately they did not keep her in the house.
Present Situation
Since the last one year, she is living with a man. Her father has helped them get a house to live in. she does not go to jail anymore. I still believe those two full years she stayed away from her past life – have helped her to think and be a changed person. Once she found a place to live; now she leads a settled life.
Mincy has parents and a younger sister. Her father was very strict with her. Mincy was closer to her father and her mother loved the younger one. Mincy’s parents also had problems. Both the girls went to school and studied up to the 7th and 8th standard.
Because their father was very strict both the girls were not allowed to go out. Mincy waited for a chance to get out. At one time she was daily going out to get milk. Slowly she fell in love with a boy. They came close to each other, wrote love letters and began to have fun and jokes. Few days they enjoyed each other’s company. Then he took her gold chain and said he would put it in the bank, rent a small room and they would live together. She agreed to it.
He came back arranging to sell her to the flesh trade. He took her to a big hotel in Ernakulum city. He put her in a room and went out pretending to buy something. That was the end of the love affair. He never returned to the hotel. Only after six months, she managed to come out with one of the customers. The next morning he did leave her alone. She immediately went to the house of her parents, but they did not allow her to even enter the house. She requested them to listen to her at least. But her parents and her sister chased her out. With that anger within her, she came back to the streets and joined other women who were ready to grab her into their group.
From then onwards Mincy developed a bitter attitude towards her parents as well as towards men. Because of what her boyfriend had done to her, she was ready to jump into any crime, including alcohol, smoking, drugs, pick -pocketing. She was especially known for stealing the neighbour’s chickens. She would go to anybody’s house at anytime of the night and take away clothes whenever she wanted, and moved about as a man. Mincy was a huge figure with a very dark complexion. She was known among them – in jail as well as in the surrounding where she lived as “glass Mincy” or “Knife Mincy”. Because she used glass pieces or a knife to defend herself, to attack others including policemen,. She used glass piece to cut herself and threaten. Her left hand had a number of such marks.
Mincy was a threatening figure in her area. She said the policemen themselves have used her and other women, while they are out on the streets or bus stand. Once she narrated a story, which shocked everyone. She was angry with a policeman and in order to teach him a lesson, first she made friendship with him and invited him to join her for a nightcap. He happily accepted her invitation without realizing what was in store for him. Mincy fed him with good food and strong alcohol unitl he was unconscious. She then moved his clothes and put them on herself, wrapped him up with her saree and left him there. And the next day she went to his house and handed over his clothes. Whenever Mincy narrated stories of this type, she made herself the “Hero”.
Another time one of her gang members let out a secret to the police. Mincy knew who had done it. She planned a similar idea to punish her. The gang normally went to a forest place during the day to enjoy themselves. Once about six of them went there, had good food and had a bit fun among them then the “Devil of Revenge” emerged from Mincy. She caught hold of this lady and tied her to a tree naked. It did not end there. She collected some big ants and put them on her private parts and standing a bit away they enjoyed the scene. This scene surely reminded me of the crucifixion of Jesus. The soldiers mocked Jesus saying “Come down”. This woman too was kept there for 2or 3 hours (may be the worst king of imprisonment). Later they relieved her.
Another occasion revealed the soft side of Mincy, when agreed to look after a man who was involved in a murder case. Both his hands were impaired badly. She stayed with him and looked after him day and night. They agreed to settle down together. But to her surprise, after caring for him for about 8 months, he got well and disappeared. By this time she also went to home a couple of times. Most of her neighbours were afraid of her. On one occasion she went to the house and had a solid fight with her father. Mincy also hanged herself on the wooden beam of the house. But fortunately the beam broke and she fell.
Mincy’s parents kept praying that their daughter would change her way of life. She spent many years like a hero there. I would like to quote one more story of hers, which is very revealing in terms of her personality. One night after she had completed her relationship with men, she came out wearing a shirt and pants. She hired an auto -rickshaw. The driver agreed to take her out because he was afraid of her. After a few minutes she asked him to stop the auto. After about few kms she stopped, to the driver to wait there till she gets the money from someday. She never returned. The poor auto driver could not so anything.
Then came her turning point. When she had a fight with another fellow and got a bad wound. She was in hospital for a long time. She was looked after by one of her customers – who had agreed to marry her and to live with her. Being a well-known sex –worker of the area, the doctors also were not interested. The wound got worse and she was told that she might not survive. Then she realized her misbehavior. She asked to see her parents before she should die. As soon as her mother heard the news, she wanted to go to visit Mincy, but the father was not willing. Then with great pressure on the part of the mother, he allowed her to go and see Mincy. Mincy’s mother gave some money to the doctor so that she would get better treatment for her daughter. Mincy slowly showed improvement.
Mincy wanted to come home and live there. But her father was still reluctant to take her. Finally her mother pleaded for her and she was brought home on condition that she did not go back to her past life. In time, her parents advised her to go to the Ashram. Though reluctant. She agreed.
Mincy at the Ashram
Mincy was brought to the Ashram by her own parents. Before they left the Ashram, the parents also said that their second daughter who is married with a child is in prison. They expressed their desire to bring her as well to the Ashram.
Mincy took great pleasure in proclaiming her stories loud to other inmates. Slowly we had to put a stop to this habit. We allowed her to pour out her life story to the sisters or the counselor – who came from a Family- counseling Centre. At times she would threaten us by saying she wanted to leave. The first time I spoke to her gently and convinced her to stay she agreed. Later on, after a few months, she came with her bags ready to leave. I gently told Mincy she could go and offered her travel fare. After a few minutes she changed her mind and never again expressed the desire to leave. At times we too have to be very firm with them and not give into their whims and fancies.
Mincy had very little self-esteem. Any time we confronted her about her behavior, she referred to her- self as a “prostitute” and put the blame on us. A second time I heard that, I spoke to her very firmly. I told her that she was calling herself a prostitute and not others. I told her that I did not want to hear this again from her lips. She was also counseled to accept herself as a good person and not to go over the past all the time. She had a lot of guilt feelings, which she was also helped to overcome. Of course it was not easy for Mincy to do this. Yet she tried her best and everybody helped her, encouraged her, though some staff and few residents were afraid of her. Only with good moral strength and God’s power we could control her.
Her parents often visited her at the Ashram; this bought a feeling of belonging to Mincy. Mincy stayed for one year at the Ashram. It was time for rehabilitation. Her house was a one-room tenement for the parents and the daughters, in order to make it easier for them; we found sponsors and helped the parents to build another room. They did that with the help of a contractor. But before they started living in it, it collapsed. Then the parents began to think of selling the house so they could move to a new place and begin afresh. They were hesitant to do so. Then Mincy was sent to another centre of ours for a second stage of rehabilitation process. There she made an exit because the centre was not yet well organized. It had just begun functioning. She stayed with them for a few months though trying to play the hero. Being in a new situation, she did take advantage on many occasions. She eventually returned to her parents, but unfortunately they did not keep her in the house.
Present Situation
Since the last one year, she is living with a man. Her father has helped them get a house to live in. she does not go to jail anymore. I still believe those two full years she stayed away from her past life – have helped her to think and be a changed person. Once she found a place to live; now she leads a settled life.
LEELA
Background
Leela’s father died when she was very young. She has two older brothers and two younger sisters. Her mother had to work very hard to bring up five children with at least the minimum education. While two brothers worked in a factory, the mother and the three daughters were employed in the coir industry. Leela is the oldest among the girls. She was about to get married. She met a boyfriend when she went our daily to work. One day after collecting her salary she ran away with the boy. On his part he was planning to cheat her. Both of them moved around together, only for two days, after which to Leela was afraid to return home and thus fell into the company of some women sex workers. Soon she found herself in the prison. There she learned worse things than before. She picked up bi-sexual behavior inside the prison. She met Rugma (whom I have already mentioned) there and became close friends. They went in and out of prison together for a while. Leela is very quiet and shy. She was afraid of her brothers. She did go home one day with her friend. But her bothers didn’t allow her to enter there.
Leela in the Ashram
Constantly harassed by men, they realized their lives weren’t safe or respectable. Leela and her friend Rugma decided to change their way of life and came to the Ashram. Leela was afraid to reveal the truths about her life. But slowly we helped her to air her feelings. She spoke well of her mother. On paying her family a visit we realized her mother had no objection to take her two sisters refused to talk to Leela.
Leela was given all the chances to learn some skills. She was also encouraged and helped to read and write, so as not to forget the basic education and received. While in prison, Leela had learned weaving skills. Leela and opportunities daily for attending classes, counseling, prayer, meditation and games. After a few months of the renewal programme, Leela was encouraged to go home.
Rehabilitation
Leela was rehabilitated back in her own home. Her mother was happy to have her. In the beginning Leela found it very hard to cope with the situation, since the other members of the family were not communicating with her. Her mother took her for work again. Thus Leela was soon an earning member of the family. We did keep in touch. We went to visit her at home. Leela came to see us in the Ashram. Once when we went to see Leela, she was looking after her mother in the hospital. Her mother too expressed gratefulness to us for taking care if her daughter. The fact we had visited her in the hospital made a big difference to them. By then her family members also reconciled with Leela. This made Leela in turn very happy too!
Leela visited the Ashram regularly at least once a month. Once she even bought two of her friends to show them the place where she lived and the home she loved so much. Leela continues to go work regularly with her mother and sisters. The mother is also looking out for a boy to settle her in marriage. Leela had been at home for the last 4years. We wish Leela and her family all the best in the future. 1997- Leela has gone to the Gulf to work and earn for the family. One of her cousins took her there. 2004 – She is married and well settled in life.
Leela’s father died when she was very young. She has two older brothers and two younger sisters. Her mother had to work very hard to bring up five children with at least the minimum education. While two brothers worked in a factory, the mother and the three daughters were employed in the coir industry. Leela is the oldest among the girls. She was about to get married. She met a boyfriend when she went our daily to work. One day after collecting her salary she ran away with the boy. On his part he was planning to cheat her. Both of them moved around together, only for two days, after which to Leela was afraid to return home and thus fell into the company of some women sex workers. Soon she found herself in the prison. There she learned worse things than before. She picked up bi-sexual behavior inside the prison. She met Rugma (whom I have already mentioned) there and became close friends. They went in and out of prison together for a while. Leela is very quiet and shy. She was afraid of her brothers. She did go home one day with her friend. But her bothers didn’t allow her to enter there.
Leela in the Ashram
Constantly harassed by men, they realized their lives weren’t safe or respectable. Leela and her friend Rugma decided to change their way of life and came to the Ashram. Leela was afraid to reveal the truths about her life. But slowly we helped her to air her feelings. She spoke well of her mother. On paying her family a visit we realized her mother had no objection to take her two sisters refused to talk to Leela.
Leela was given all the chances to learn some skills. She was also encouraged and helped to read and write, so as not to forget the basic education and received. While in prison, Leela had learned weaving skills. Leela and opportunities daily for attending classes, counseling, prayer, meditation and games. After a few months of the renewal programme, Leela was encouraged to go home.
Rehabilitation
Leela was rehabilitated back in her own home. Her mother was happy to have her. In the beginning Leela found it very hard to cope with the situation, since the other members of the family were not communicating with her. Her mother took her for work again. Thus Leela was soon an earning member of the family. We did keep in touch. We went to visit her at home. Leela came to see us in the Ashram. Once when we went to see Leela, she was looking after her mother in the hospital. Her mother too expressed gratefulness to us for taking care if her daughter. The fact we had visited her in the hospital made a big difference to them. By then her family members also reconciled with Leela. This made Leela in turn very happy too!
Leela visited the Ashram regularly at least once a month. Once she even bought two of her friends to show them the place where she lived and the home she loved so much. Leela continues to go work regularly with her mother and sisters. The mother is also looking out for a boy to settle her in marriage. Leela had been at home for the last 4years. We wish Leela and her family all the best in the future. 1997- Leela has gone to the Gulf to work and earn for the family. One of her cousins took her there. 2004 – She is married and well settled in life.
NIJA
Background
Nija is the sister of Mincy whose story has just been narrated. Nija was a favorite of her mother’s. She stayed with her parents until she got married. Mincy forced Nija into the flesh trade to make money. Nija has a baby who is looked after by her parents. Nija moved from place to place. She has been to 10 to 15 jails all over Kerala. She does not bother about her husband and the child anymore. Nija too has a very dark complexion and is big built. Unlike her sister, Nija is not arrogant.
She is very mild and shy like her mother. Her parents were encouraging Nija to return home when she was out of prison. She agreed to her parent’s request and came home. Then she was brought to the ashram. Nija does not speak much but she is very artistic with her hands. She showed great interest in gardening. At times both sisters would quarrel over small things. Then we had to deal with each one separately. After a week, two other friends of Nija also came to the Ashram. But after a few days the three planned to leave the Ashram in the night. They went out and each went in a different direction. Nija roamed about for one month. Her parents took Nija, hoping that she would change her mind and lead a better life. In the meantime I went to meet her at her home. She was told that she could come back to the Ashram but Nija felt very shy and could not face me. I held her hand and wished her a better future. She was advised to look after her child but she did not want to do that.
Present Situation
Nija is living at present with a man steadily. She does not go to hotels or to other cities. She said she does not want to go to prison anymore.
The above experience and later another similar situation taught us that two more companions form the same prison or the same group should not be kept together. And now there are other rehabilitation centers’ in different parts of Kerala. Thus there are better chances of helping individuals. We thank God for all the learning experiences that we got from each of these cases.
I met Nija in December 1997. She came to see me with her mother. On the whole there has been a change in the pattern of her life. Because she does not go in and out of prisons in Kerala. She continues to live with one man. Her parents are also supporting her.
Nija is the sister of Mincy whose story has just been narrated. Nija was a favorite of her mother’s. She stayed with her parents until she got married. Mincy forced Nija into the flesh trade to make money. Nija has a baby who is looked after by her parents. Nija moved from place to place. She has been to 10 to 15 jails all over Kerala. She does not bother about her husband and the child anymore. Nija too has a very dark complexion and is big built. Unlike her sister, Nija is not arrogant.
She is very mild and shy like her mother. Her parents were encouraging Nija to return home when she was out of prison. She agreed to her parent’s request and came home. Then she was brought to the ashram. Nija does not speak much but she is very artistic with her hands. She showed great interest in gardening. At times both sisters would quarrel over small things. Then we had to deal with each one separately. After a week, two other friends of Nija also came to the Ashram. But after a few days the three planned to leave the Ashram in the night. They went out and each went in a different direction. Nija roamed about for one month. Her parents took Nija, hoping that she would change her mind and lead a better life. In the meantime I went to meet her at her home. She was told that she could come back to the Ashram but Nija felt very shy and could not face me. I held her hand and wished her a better future. She was advised to look after her child but she did not want to do that.
Present Situation
Nija is living at present with a man steadily. She does not go to hotels or to other cities. She said she does not want to go to prison anymore.
The above experience and later another similar situation taught us that two more companions form the same prison or the same group should not be kept together. And now there are other rehabilitation centers’ in different parts of Kerala. Thus there are better chances of helping individuals. We thank God for all the learning experiences that we got from each of these cases.
I met Nija in December 1997. She came to see me with her mother. On the whole there has been a change in the pattern of her life. Because she does not go in and out of prisons in Kerala. She continues to live with one man. Her parents are also supporting her.
NAXALITES
Like woman in the Bible I knocked at the door of our Director General to give me permission to visit the Naxalite barrack. At last I got it and established a good relationship with them through my constant visits . There were about 85 men and 32 women naxalites. The men were in a barrack for their own. The women were along with the other women with theirmore than half a dozen children. I got admitted five of their children aged between five and seven in different mission schools and hostels.
One Sunday when I went to the prison, the Dy. Supdt. told me to meet Amrutha wife of a naxalite who is innocent in the same prison and speak to her , for she is preganat and the child in the womb should not be affected with her condition.. Well every Sunday I used to spend atleast half an hour speaking to her. One day I got a call from Dy. Supdt saying that Vanaja is taken to the hospital. I left everything and rushed to the hospital. By the time she was already taken to the labour room. Within ten minutes I heard the cry of the baby and with the permission of the nurse I went inside and took the child in my hand. Since then every Sunday I used to carry and pet the child, a lovely boy.
It is a custom in Andhra to celebrate the 21 day of the birth of the child. On that day the family prepare a function to give the name to the child and place the child in the cradle The lady Jawans asked me to do the same ceremony for the new born baby. I asked permission from the Supdt. , but he refused . Again I spoke to him pros and cons of the ceremony conducted in the prison, finally he gave permission. The cradle ceremony day was fixed. With the permission of our DG . I invited the judge from the court, Magistrate, doctor from the M.G.M. hospital and a few advocates, who were the parents and grandparents of my students. A bus load of teachers and students reached with the new dresses for the parents and presents for the baby. I had already asked the Supdt. to allow the father of the baby to be called for the function.
The function started with singing by my students and gave the new dresses to the parents. I had to give the name to the baby, Supdt. Said. I asked my Hindu teachers and they said, Krishna was born in the prison, so we give the name Krishna Kanth. I called out the name loudly and one of my teachers laid the baby in the cradle.Next was distribution of home-made sweets prepared in the prison kitchen itself. After that I asked the father of the baby to tell us , how he became a naxalite. He explained the whole story which led him to be a naxalite and by the time he was caught by police with his wife, he got involved in 13 murder cases. The father Sree Kanth studied upto x class. He was the eldest in the family. The father was only a pune in a private bank having very megure income . Sree Kanth went in search of a job the whole day and comes back home to get scolding from his father. He had three sisters younger to him at home. Finally one day he left the house at night . While sleeping on the verandah of a shop a few youngsters approached him, heard his pathetic story and took him to underground. Once you are in the gang you have to do what ever the leaders tell you. This got involved in the murder cases.
While taking his pregnant wife to a doctor at 4.30. a.m. , both were caught by police and put them in the prison. Then I spoke to the assembly my opinion. It is because of unemployment, poverty, dispute are some of the reasons for all these, hence I requested the eminent members to begin to do something for these problems. Well Sree Kanth and Amrutha with their baby got released before the time of punishment . Praise the Lord !
RAMULU'S DESIRE
One day I was walking towards the clock tower to catch a bus to go to my residence in Gunfoundry, Hyderabad . I noticed a fellow looking at me from the auto and asking me to get in . I told him, I am sorry I don’t have enough money to pay for your auto. I could go by bus. He insisted me to get into the auto and finally I got in . He drove me to my destination in Gunfoundry. Before getting out off the auto, I started searching for money to give to him. At last I asked him to wait until I got it from the convent. He asked me, how much will you give me ? I told him Rs. 30/-. He said, Madam you forgot me . I am Ramulu whom you met in the 5th barrack in the prison. One day you told me , ‘ Ramulu, you are a very good fellow and you can do many good things when you are released from the prison. Today Madam, I am doing what you told me eight years ago. I am running this auto and getting my livelihood. I got more interested in his talk and he told me , your thirty Rupees is nothing compared to the life that you have shown me . I had been waiting to see you after my release from the prison. Today the Lord gave me the grace to see you.
He told me the place where he was living with his wife and two children. His children are students of a convent school. I wrote a letter to the Headmistress of that school asking to give free education for his two children. He had to pay back the loan taken to buy the auto also get a small house for the family. When he left, I got into the chapel of our convent and simply shed tears of joy. Lately I happened to meet him . He is very happy and trying to finish up the loan first before thinking of the house. Ramulu, wife and children .. a small family …. A happy family. Praise the Lord !
Ramulu , the second child of the family from a poor family. He was very clever in studies upto class 5th. His father had a great hope on his future. But, he got bad company and lost interest in studies. By the time he reached seventh class , the school authorities chased him out of the school. The father got angry and beat him mercilessly. He left the house and got in the company of picketers and thieves. On one occasion he was caught by police and brought him into the prison. I noticed in him that he was an innocent and very talented fellow. I followed him for few Sundays and left as I got transfer to Hyderabad.
He told me the place where he was living with his wife and two children. His children are students of a convent school. I wrote a letter to the Headmistress of that school asking to give free education for his two children. He had to pay back the loan taken to buy the auto also get a small house for the family. When he left, I got into the chapel of our convent and simply shed tears of joy. Lately I happened to meet him . He is very happy and trying to finish up the loan first before thinking of the house. Ramulu, wife and children .. a small family …. A happy family. Praise the Lord !
Ramulu , the second child of the family from a poor family. He was very clever in studies upto class 5th. His father had a great hope on his future. But, he got bad company and lost interest in studies. By the time he reached seventh class , the school authorities chased him out of the school. The father got angry and beat him mercilessly. He left the house and got in the company of picketers and thieves. On one occasion he was caught by police and brought him into the prison. I noticed in him that he was an innocent and very talented fellow. I followed him for few Sundays and left as I got transfer to Hyderabad.
INNOCENT SUSEELA WAS SAVED FROM PRISON WALLS
When I returned after going to other districts for the animation programme, one of my companions told me about a young girl Suseela . I went to the prison immediately. The lady Jawans told me , Madam this girl is falling down unconscious every day at the same time. She was only 13, but wrote her age 18 to keep her in the prison. I called the girl aside and asked her about her life . She had no parents no brothers or sisters. She was kept in a lawyer,s house as a domestic servant. The house maid was an arrogant woman. Her daughter was in my school more or less of the same age of Suseela. For any small mistake she used to scold her and sometimes beat her . A few times cut money from her megure salary. One day the mother scolded her saying that she had taken her Rs. 200/- which she kept on the table. In spite of saying the truth, the woman accused her , called a police and handed over her. The police took her and beat her mercilessly in the police station until she fell unconscious. Since then Suseela was falling on the ground at the same time unconscious and later on come back to life.
The following day I went to the school where the boy was studying . He was a student of 10th class. With the permission of the Headmaster, I met few of his friends and got the news of his birthday celebration few days back. The boy was called by the Headmaster and in his room , I questioned him about the money for the birthday party. First he said, his father gave later on he admitted that he had taken the money from the table without saying to anybody. I thanked H.M. and went to the lawyer. He received me in his office and gave me a good treat. Then I opened the subject. He blamed the girl Suseela for taking money Rs. 200/- I spoke to him about my visit to the school and meeting his son who had taken the money. He could not believe it . The boy was called in front of me and he had to say the truth to his father . The father did not even know that his wife had handed over the girl to police and then to the prison.
Then slowly I asked him, what is the next step? I said to the lawyer, you being a lawyer will know what is the next step. Let her be in the prison, he said. No, I said, you being a lawyer do whatever is to be done and get Suseela out of prison. She is after all is the same age of your daughter studying in my school. I sat and made him to follow the procedure including the surety and got the girl out of prison after two days. I left her under the care of some good nuns and later on got married. I was present for her marriage with some of our volunteers. Today she is the mother of two children having a happy life with her husband.
The following day I went to the school where the boy was studying . He was a student of 10th class. With the permission of the Headmaster, I met few of his friends and got the news of his birthday celebration few days back. The boy was called by the Headmaster and in his room , I questioned him about the money for the birthday party. First he said, his father gave later on he admitted that he had taken the money from the table without saying to anybody. I thanked H.M. and went to the lawyer. He received me in his office and gave me a good treat. Then I opened the subject. He blamed the girl Suseela for taking money Rs. 200/- I spoke to him about my visit to the school and meeting his son who had taken the money. He could not believe it . The boy was called in front of me and he had to say the truth to his father . The father did not even know that his wife had handed over the girl to police and then to the prison.
Then slowly I asked him, what is the next step? I said to the lawyer, you being a lawyer will know what is the next step. Let her be in the prison, he said. No, I said, you being a lawyer do whatever is to be done and get Suseela out of prison. She is after all is the same age of your daughter studying in my school. I sat and made him to follow the procedure including the surety and got the girl out of prison after two days. I left her under the care of some good nuns and later on got married. I was present for her marriage with some of our volunteers. Today she is the mother of two children having a happy life with her husband.
DRAWING MASTER VEKATESWARALU
Venkateswarlu had his own story to tell me. He is the only son for the parents. He studied Degree and got a Diploma in Art subject.. His father got him a shop where he could get orders for writing and painting the boards. Somehow he got into the company of some fellows who lead him enter into the dispute and kill someone from the opposite side accidently. He was sent to the new prison in Cherlapalli after it’s opening in the year 2000. Knowing his talent, the Superintendent made him to write the names of each barrack and other places. His beautiful writings are still seen when we visit the prison even today.
When he released from the prison he came to me asking what to do. I remembered the Monfort Brothers have got a High school in the place where he hails from. Though he was not willing to go there , I advised him to go since his parents are alone and they were in need of his help. When I asked the Brother Principal, he expressed me his inability to take him into his school. The reason , he said, he is coming with a stigma from the prison and the people may not accept him here. Secondly, if anything happens ? … I told the Brother, for this I, Sr. Leena is responsible. If anything happens I will come there and rescue you from the problem. Finally Principal asked me to send him and after interview and other formalities, he was taken to teach in primary section. Today he is the drawing master of High school students and helping the principal in all his writing and painting works. He is a happy fellow realizing his first crime and turning back to the mercy of God. Praise the Lord !
When he released from the prison he came to me asking what to do. I remembered the Monfort Brothers have got a High school in the place where he hails from. Though he was not willing to go there , I advised him to go since his parents are alone and they were in need of his help. When I asked the Brother Principal, he expressed me his inability to take him into his school. The reason , he said, he is coming with a stigma from the prison and the people may not accept him here. Secondly, if anything happens ? … I told the Brother, for this I, Sr. Leena is responsible. If anything happens I will come there and rescue you from the problem. Finally Principal asked me to send him and after interview and other formalities, he was taken to teach in primary section. Today he is the drawing master of High school students and helping the principal in all his writing and painting works. He is a happy fellow realizing his first crime and turning back to the mercy of God. Praise the Lord !
RELEASED BUT WANT TO REMAIN IN PRISON
ne day when I visited the men’s barrack, a middle aged man called me and asked to give him some poison to die. I asked him, how much ?.. one kilo ? ….Then I sat with him to find out why he wanted poison.
Mohan Rao is an RMP doctor from Hyderabad city. He hails from one of the remote villages. He had his family of wife and three children. His entry into prison is very interesting. He came to know that his family was having a dispute of land with neighboring family. He rushed to help his old father and brothers. While the tough of war was going on , he took a stick and gave a blow to the man on the opposite side. He fell on the ground and died… RMP was booked on murder case and brought him to the prison. He had to remain in prison for five years. During that period nobody of his own people not even his father came to visit him. His wife’s people tried to get him our on bail and the bail plea was sanctioned.
Meanwhile some of his friends came to visit him . And they told him that the opposite party is waiting to kill him as soon as he comes out of the prison.. So he decided not to go out but die in the prison itself by taking poison. After spending sometime in counseling him, I got his father’s address. I made one of our volunteers to write a letter to his asking to come and see me . I signed the letter as Sr. Leena . After reading the letter he went to MGM hospital and asked for me showing the letter. Finally someone directed him and his son to our convent. The family is living very good condition. The brothers are working in the Govt. posts. I spoke to them, after all he came to help you in the dispute, During the fight your son happened to kill someone on the opposite party. You and your other sons left the prison on getting bail, leaving this son in the prison.. Now you have to accept him and do whatever you can to save his life. He got his bail sanctioned by his brother in-law.
The father and son did not want this fellow to go to that village , for they also knew the danger for him. Our RMP doctor was released and I went with him along with one of my volunteers. We met the victim family and others who were waiting to finish our doctor , spoke to them ate with them spent two days in the village and pacified the whole situation. Our RMP is released of all the problems and working in the same place living happily with his family.
Mohan Rao is an RMP doctor from Hyderabad city. He hails from one of the remote villages. He had his family of wife and three children. His entry into prison is very interesting. He came to know that his family was having a dispute of land with neighboring family. He rushed to help his old father and brothers. While the tough of war was going on , he took a stick and gave a blow to the man on the opposite side. He fell on the ground and died… RMP was booked on murder case and brought him to the prison. He had to remain in prison for five years. During that period nobody of his own people not even his father came to visit him. His wife’s people tried to get him our on bail and the bail plea was sanctioned.
Meanwhile some of his friends came to visit him . And they told him that the opposite party is waiting to kill him as soon as he comes out of the prison.. So he decided not to go out but die in the prison itself by taking poison. After spending sometime in counseling him, I got his father’s address. I made one of our volunteers to write a letter to his asking to come and see me . I signed the letter as Sr. Leena . After reading the letter he went to MGM hospital and asked for me showing the letter. Finally someone directed him and his son to our convent. The family is living very good condition. The brothers are working in the Govt. posts. I spoke to them, after all he came to help you in the dispute, During the fight your son happened to kill someone on the opposite party. You and your other sons left the prison on getting bail, leaving this son in the prison.. Now you have to accept him and do whatever you can to save his life. He got his bail sanctioned by his brother in-law.
The father and son did not want this fellow to go to that village , for they also knew the danger for him. Our RMP doctor was released and I went with him along with one of my volunteers. We met the victim family and others who were waiting to finish our doctor , spoke to them ate with them spent two days in the village and pacified the whole situation. Our RMP is released of all the problems and working in the same place living happily with his family.
MUNUSAMY SPEAKS
My name is Munusamy. I was born on 10th September 1978. I studied up to 8th Standard. Due to my family situation I could not continue my studies. I started going for painting works. When I was at the age of 17, that unforgettable day of fate came. It was 8th June 1996. I came home after the work. My friend asked me to get a tea for him. So I went home and told my mother that I shall go to the tea stall and come. But my mother told please take supper and go. I disobeyed her words which I felt many times in my life. When I went with my friend to take tea I saw few people were beating a man in front of my house. I could not do anything and I came home. Early morning Policemen came to my home and arrested me in connection with a murder case. The man one who got beatings went and told his relative that some men beat him.
So his relative came with a knife and murdered that man one who beat him. When the policemen enquired about this the man who got beatings told the police men that Munusamy saw me getting beatings from the people. So policemen included me in the case. They framed charges against me and filed case where I was a 3. I got the bail and I came out my family members felt that it is only false case so I will be released. The Advocate also told that I will be released. So in the year 1999 I got married to a girl. We were living together. We got a girl baby in the year 2000. But in the year 2001 the Sessions court gave the judgment stating that I am involved in the case for the life term punishment. The Advocate consoled me that not to worry and we shall win in the High court. Believing his words my family spent members spent lot of money for the release of me. After the Appeal in the High Court I came out on Bail with the hope that I will be freed. In the year 2004 we got a baby boy. We were very happy but the happiness did not last for long. In the year 2005 the High court confirmed the Judgment gave me life Term. All my family members including me it was a great shock. I went in to dark cells of the prisons once again. I felt that all the doors were closed. I have to be here all my life time. There came a ray of hope in the form of Prison Ministry India Volunteers. They comforted me and took the cases and found out that I am innocent.
So they wanted to help me to come out. Since the High court has given the Judgment to appeal we have to go to Supreme Court. It will take long time and long process. I was continuously praying to the Lord with the Prison Ministry Volunteers to show me the way. There came a loop hole that when the incident took place I was below 18. Immediately knowing this the volunteers with the help of the Legal team filed a writ petition in the High Court. After verifying my school certificates and the School Headmaster I was released on 3rd August 2013.It was really a great miracle for me. I never thought that I will come out. It is because of the Prison Ministry Volunteers I am out of the dark cells of the prison.
I am really grateful to the, Lord for having released me from the clutches of the prison. Express my heartfelt thanks to Fr Xavier Arul Raj and his team who argued for me for the release without even spending a penny I am released. When I spent all my money I was sent to the prison. But When I have not spent any money I am released. It is by the Grace of the Lord and by the help of the Prison Ministry Volunteers I am with my family. I am really indebted to them not only me but also my whole family. Since I was in prison I know that there are lots of innocents are languishing for their freedom. May the Good Lord give you strength to release many more innocents from the prisons and unite with their family members.
So his relative came with a knife and murdered that man one who beat him. When the policemen enquired about this the man who got beatings told the police men that Munusamy saw me getting beatings from the people. So policemen included me in the case. They framed charges against me and filed case where I was a 3. I got the bail and I came out my family members felt that it is only false case so I will be released. The Advocate also told that I will be released. So in the year 1999 I got married to a girl. We were living together. We got a girl baby in the year 2000. But in the year 2001 the Sessions court gave the judgment stating that I am involved in the case for the life term punishment. The Advocate consoled me that not to worry and we shall win in the High court. Believing his words my family spent members spent lot of money for the release of me. After the Appeal in the High Court I came out on Bail with the hope that I will be freed. In the year 2004 we got a baby boy. We were very happy but the happiness did not last for long. In the year 2005 the High court confirmed the Judgment gave me life Term. All my family members including me it was a great shock. I went in to dark cells of the prisons once again. I felt that all the doors were closed. I have to be here all my life time. There came a ray of hope in the form of Prison Ministry India Volunteers. They comforted me and took the cases and found out that I am innocent.
So they wanted to help me to come out. Since the High court has given the Judgment to appeal we have to go to Supreme Court. It will take long time and long process. I was continuously praying to the Lord with the Prison Ministry Volunteers to show me the way. There came a loop hole that when the incident took place I was below 18. Immediately knowing this the volunteers with the help of the Legal team filed a writ petition in the High Court. After verifying my school certificates and the School Headmaster I was released on 3rd August 2013.It was really a great miracle for me. I never thought that I will come out. It is because of the Prison Ministry Volunteers I am out of the dark cells of the prison.
I am really grateful to the, Lord for having released me from the clutches of the prison. Express my heartfelt thanks to Fr Xavier Arul Raj and his team who argued for me for the release without even spending a penny I am released. When I spent all my money I was sent to the prison. But When I have not spent any money I am released. It is by the Grace of the Lord and by the help of the Prison Ministry Volunteers I am with my family. I am really indebted to them not only me but also my whole family. Since I was in prison I know that there are lots of innocents are languishing for their freedom. May the Good Lord give you strength to release many more innocents from the prisons and unite with their family members.