The inmates of Coimbatore Central Jail took their chance to live a new life by taking a step towards further education. Out of the 51 inmates who attended the SSLC examination this academic year, 44 passed the examination with one scoring a 100 percentage in Social Science.

Of the 51, 49 were men and two women.

Ramkumar the life convict secured centum in Social Science through with a total score of 389, the highest in the jail. Tada Aslam and Subalakshmi stood second and third by scoring 388 and 383 respectively.

Senthilkumar, the Superintendent of the prison told Covai Post on that they supported their education by engaging themselves in the compulsory work that has been earmarked for each of them including tailoring, book binding, etc.

But before a month of examination, we let them free. We have a library with more than 5000 books. The jail appointed teachers also guide them, he said.

NGOs like Crafts Help Center and PMI (Prison Mercy India) helped the inmates to overcome their past and focus on education through yoga and meditation. Mentoring them into changing their ways and counselling them to attend the exam were also measures undertaken.

When they registered through a private exam center in Thudiyalur, the Government paid the fees for them, he added.

Talking about the future plans of the inmates, Mr. Senthilkumar said, “The examinees were in the age group of 35 45. And they will go for higher studies”. He further says that such a step has been taken to make them live a normal life after their conviction; a life with respect and a reputed job.