Andhra Pradesh - Others   

Making prisoners literate

S. Harpal Singh

SHOWING THE PATH: Mohammed Rafi at a session in Asifabad district jail.

ASIFABAD (ADILABAD DT.): The `distinction' of his students is no matter for celebration for Mohammed Rafi, a constable at the district jail, Asifabad.

However, the nobility of his cause is certainly a matter of pride for him. "After going out, my students should be more inclined to become useful part of society," says Mr. Rafi at Aksharabharati and Open School Society classes that he runs at the jail.

His agenda

Mr. Rafi is undeterred by the fact that his students comprise hardcore naxalites and those facing trial in murder cases, convicts in dowry cases etc. His single point agenda is: "When they enter the prison, they give thumb impressions. But at the time of leaving, my students sign the register."

He has imparted the ability to sign to 2,700 prisoners since inception of the classes in 2003, which is perhaps a record in itself.

Mr. Rafi is a Bachelor in Education besides holding a MA degree. The vicissitude of life has left him the option of becoming a constable and he landed at Asifabad from Nalgonda.

"Ab tak to Government teacher nahi ban saka. Par jail mein to pada sakthe na. (So far I failed to get a job as Government teacher. But I can certainly teach in jail)," he observes.

Winds of change

Kamera Chandraiah alias Suresh, arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2003, is one of the bright students of Mr. Rafi. He says that he has joined the classes run by Mr. Rafi to do something worthwhile. "I can read newspapers now. I know what is happening outside. Ignorance has made me stray. But now I am determined to become a good citizen," avers Suresh, an undertrial from Mannegudem in Nennel mandal.

Rajani Babu, another prisoner facing charges related to naxalite activity, joined the classes about three months ago. He says: "I want to pass out the SSC before going out so that I will be able to take up gainful employment."

P. Ramesh of Bellampalli who faces a rape-cum-murder charge wants to become a doctor. V. Laxman, another inmate, has graduated to the third stage classes this trimester and helps jail authorities with some clerical work.

G. Sudershan Rao, Jailor, could only laud the effort of Mr. Rafi. "He has aroused the interest in many prisoners to tread the straight path which is quite commendable," he observes.

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