Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated 'Bapu ki Karuna Ka Sanchar- Jailon me Sadachar' programme in Central Jail on Tuesday, on the eve of 150th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Baghel said in his address that Mahatma made India free by following the path of truth and non-violence. Gandhi had made significant contribution to uplift untouchables, girl education, and other fields.
He had a respect and compassion even for those who opposed him, the Chief Minister pointed out, adding he taught us to hate the crime and not the criminal.
Baghel narrated in detail about the persona and ideals of Mahatma to the prisoners, saying that Bapu always utilized his time constructively and would do all his works by himself.
He believed that no one can dominate a self-dependent person, CM said.
“Gandhi ji travelled across the country to stir passion for patriotism and servitude among the masses,” Chief Minister added.
Baghel motivated prisoners to live by the virtues of compassion, affection, kindness and fraternity and said that after being released, they should follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and join the mainstream of the society, and contribute to the formation of an ideal society.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also recited inspiring stories based on the real incidents of Gandhi’s life, for the prisoners.
Chief Minister directed Additional Chief Secretary Jail CK Khetan to begin the process of release for those prisoners who have served imprisonment of more than the duration provisioned.
On the occasion, Chief Minister released four books based on Mahatma Gandhi’s life.
In the programme, a group of prisoners gave mesmerizing performance on “Bapu's” favourite bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'.
Home and Jail Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu also addressed the programme and narrated a story based on the time when Gandhi was in a jail in South Africa, inspiring prisoners to bring about change in their conduct to transform their lives. He said that jail is like a school.
“They (prisoners) should adopt in their lives, what they have learned in this school and play a constructive role in society after their release,” he added.
Sopan Joshi from Gandhi Seva Sansthan, New Delhi also addressed the programme.