Yoga Classes for Prisoners

20 January, 2000

SALEM, JAN. 19. The inmates of the Salem Central Prison, one of the oldest jails in the country, could hope for some mental peace as yoga classes have begun here also. According to an official press release, Mr. B. M. Ezra, DIG, Prisons, Coimbatore, inaugurating the "sahaja sthithi" yoga training on Tuesday at the Salem prison, said these was change of mind and attitude among the inmates of the Coimbatore jail following introduction of yoga training. He urged the Salem prisoners also to strive for a new lease of life by changing their mental framework.

Mr. Balan Azhagirisamy, Superintendent, Salem Prison, welcoming the gathering, expressed confidence that yoga training would provide solace to the parched hearts of the prison-mates and ultimately lead to drastic change in their mode of thinking and action. Mr. Swaminathan, Instructor, Isha Yoga Centre, spoke on the "sahaja sthithi yoga".

About 800 inmates of the prison, jail staff and the trainers from Isha Yoga Centre, took part in the programme. Mr. Haridass, pyschiatrist, Central Jail, proposed a vote of thanks.

Earlier Mr. Ezra inaugurated a health camp for women prisoners organised by the Innerwheel Club of Salem North. Mr. Balan Azhagirisamy pleaded for daily check up of the women inmates with the help of specialists and adequate medical attention for the prisoners in general. Mrs. Nirmala Madhavan, Chairperson, Innerwheel Club of Salem North, promised to extend adequate medical facilities for the women prisoners and also yoga training for them. She also handed over a BP apparatus.

In the evening, the President of the Rotary Club of Salem North, Mr. C. R. Madhavan, donated various recreational and writing materials to the jail mates.