July 9, 2020

84 Thursday Tree Love

“Value everyone’s contribution and treat everyone with Respect” Michelle Obama



As part of my work I was asked to take a couple of sessions at SICA (State Institute of Correctional Administration) for the Prison wardens. I entered the campus and I found this greenery just opposite the training hall. Once the session was over I clicked these pictures. I found this place beautiful and calm. Impressed with this greenery my thoughts wandered to how much effort is put by the prisoners here to maintain this place. I see them working in the garden digging, leveling the ground, watering the plants and working hard as per their schedule.

The Prisoners who are in this prison for the various kind of crimes committed are now confined to a cell. Despite the wounds they carry within; the guilt, shame, stigma and discrimination and living within prison walls with shattered self esteem, suicidal ideations and regrets; they still have the capacity and the creativity to make the environment beautiful.

Which shows that there are no bad people as such but some situations and circumstances have led them behind the bars. If they had received help at the right moments of their lives, and mentored by persons who valued them and enabled them they wouldn’t be in prisons.

When I look at them from close quarters, interact with them – I see another perspective of life from their eyes as I listen to their life’s journey. There is hope and understanding that reformation is possible even within the four walls of prison. All judgments get suspended and feelings of kindness and compassion surfaces to learn to Value every person and treat them with respect.

Thursday Tree love  is a photo feature on Parul’s blog hosted on second and fourth Thursday of every month.   

You are most welcome to join in, all you need to do is:

Post a picture of a tree on your blog


Thank you for reading this post; I would love to know your thoughts...

May you be Happy &Blessed 

16 comments:

  1. I can grieve for those damaged in their childhoods, but, at the same time, feel that society must be protected from crimes they commit. This is a gorgeous garden and working with plants, I believe, has been proven to be of therapeutic value for some prisoners. I hope this just isn't hard labor for the sake of hard labor.

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    1. True its important that society must be safe from crimes. There are initiatives taken to bring about reformation in prisons. Sahayam Counseling Centre has taken initiatives in working with the prisoners(its called Unnati) and there has improvement in reduction of repeated offenders. I have been part of this programme and yes working with plants does help.

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  2. I too feel that sometimes, that there are no bad people, but their circumstances are not good, because of which they do bad deeds. But that benefit of doubt is for certain kinds of criminals, not everyone (especially not for rapists, even though they too are psychologically upset).
    The trees and the place is so well maintained. Beautiful picture and wonderful write up :)

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    1. True Shesha I agree with you that there are no bad people as such; but the situations and circumstances which gets them into ... I also think there are also people who are involved in crimes but not caught due to their influence and power.... not matter what the crime, prisons must be a space for reformation and they must be given a chance to help themselves, thats what Unnati Programme does, thank for your thoughts and appreciation.

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  3. You are very right, everyone has the potential to change and reform. Only they need the chance. Lovely trees. So full life and energy, is it not?

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    1. Thank you Mr Pradeep, agree that every person has a potential not only to change and reform self; but also their lives have a purpose to fulfill on this earth. Appreciate your thoughts.

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  4. This is a beautiful campus. The prisoners must have put in hard work to make it look to beautiful.
    I visited a prison campus as a kid and we knew the jailor there. He was responsible to make sure that prisoners gets good exercise. There was something that he shared that I remember - he said that people may not be in the prison for the crime they committed but they are in for some crime that they committed. The prison is fair to all!
    Thanks for sharing, Angela. I hope to see you back on the 23rd.

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    1. Thank you Parul:) happy to know that you found this campus beautiful and yes a lot of hard work goes on, prison life is not easy... one will know the value of freedom when they live in prisons. Nice to know about your experience of the prison campus you visited as a kid. I had the opportunity to take sessions to the inmates and also interact with them and even dine with them. The prison is much better now, the food too is not bad. We have training hall for the those who continuing education and I always come back richer listening to their past experiences and their changed perspective and desire to come out to live a normal life...now they are part of my life too. Its a pleasure to hear from you parul and thanks for facilitating Tree Love Posts.. I look forward to be connected.

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  5. Beautifully designed and nurtured. I am sure the positivity of this garden would have seeped into the inmates. You are doing a great service Angela! Kudos to you!!

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    1. Thanks Archana, I am glad you found this beautiful, nurture and positive. I appreciate and thank you for your kind words.

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  6. Very green and well cared for compound indeed Archana. I am fascinated to hear about your interaction with prison inmates. So many stories; so many perspectives. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Thanks Shalz I am glad to connect with you here. I am Angela:) and not Archana... I know it must be type error hahaha... yes when we are open to listen we understand better and become empathetic

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  7. The beauty of nature and the kindness and understanding of caring people is a healing force. Thank you for your good work and for this wonderful post!

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    1. Thank you JoAnna for your kind words, and yes agree with you that the beauty of nature and kindness and understanding does heal.

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