It's Always Possible: Transforming one of the Largest Prisons in the World

? Motivation, persistence and perseverance are the distinct traits of determined, dedicated individuals who can make things happen. It's always possible, even when the task is awesome to transform the mindsets of human beings. Located in the capital city of India, New Delhi, Tihar is one of the largest prisons in the world. Within a prison complex of over 200 acres are housed over 11,000 inmates-men, women, adolescents, children; Indians and foreigners. They comprise unconvicted alleged offenders, convicts and remandees. It was a limping and languishing institution, condemned by the media, isolated from the community, exploited, used and abused, yet 'housed'. Dr Kiran Bedi (then 44) was appointed the Inspector General of Tihar prison on May 1, 1993. She brought about fundamental changes, giving a human face to the administrative structure-creating an exemplary system covering every possible aspect of prison management. The whole objective was to initiate and strengthen collectively and individually the transition from a wooden system to a responsive and sensitive administration. Hence this effort unfolds the process of this reformation involving prison administration, prisoners and the community-towards one common goal-correction through a collective and community-based approach. Contents: Foreword ? Acknowledgement ? Preface ? I - What Existed : My First Day in the Prison ? Tihar Jail: Ground Realities ? Medical Disservice ? Life-term Jailors ? The Inescapable Grip of Corruption ? Intervention or Interference ? Security or Insecurity ? Media Spotlight: Out of Focus ? Out of Bounds ? Women Prisoners: An Endangered Species ? Foreign Prisoners: Aliens behind Bars ? Adolescent Prisoners: A Class Apart ? High Security Prisoners: Gangsters Galore ? II - What Evolved : On the Rounds ? Championing a Cause: The Petition Box ? Creating Security: Internal Management ? Enters the Community ? The Education Process: An Eternal Journey ? The De