45 inmates in Thane Jail appear for exam on Gandhi

Mumbai, July 16 (UNI) As many as 45 inmates in the Thane Central Jail appeared for an exam on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in neighbouring Thane district today.

The test, with 80 questions on Mahatma Gandhi's book 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth', was conducted by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal along with Thane Jail Superintendent S N Chavan.

Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal spokesperson T R K Somaiya said ''In order to evoke the sense of regret in the minds of undertrials and teach them the power of non-violence, we have held this exam.'' ''Gandhiji explained that the concept of 'eye for an eye' would make the whole world blind. To teach this to the jail inmates who have been disillusioned with life and have committed wrong, Gandhi Peace Exam is being conducted by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal since last three years in various jails of Maharashtra and it has received an enthusiastic response,'' he said.

After the exam, the Mandal sought prisoners' feedback on it -- whether the test had benefitted them or not, in writing. Many inmates wrote that Mandal should regularly organize such a exam.

''Awards and participation certificates will be given to all the prisoners. We hope that even if ten inmates alter their way of thinking after the exam and learn the technique of 'win&win' and not 'defeat&win', it will contribute in improving the society because it is never too late,'' added Mr Somaiya.

UNI