'Itꞌs Always Possible'--- a Book Review
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‘Itꞌs Always Possible’--- A Book Review Reading a book is a joyous journey. It not only gives you a relaxed time with different characters in the book but also helps you think analytically about different issues raised in the book and come up with various views. In a given lifetime, it is very rare to be able to meet the extraordinary people and to get to know their views. This emptiness is filled aptly by books written by the stalwarts. I am privileged to have read ‘It’s Always Possible’ for the purpose of this review. I could meet India’s first and highest ranking woman in Indian Police Service – Dr. Kiran Bedi through this book and I feel, if the concept of rebirth is true, I would like to be like her. Born on 9th June, 1949, Dr. Kiran Bedi is an Indian Politician, Social Activist, Former tennis player as well as a retired police officer. During teenage, Bedi became junior tennis champion in 1966 winning several titles at national and state level championships. Accoding to her, she learnt the philosophy of life on the Tennis Ground. Dr. Kiran Bedi joined IPS in 1972, becoming the first woman IPS officer. As DCP, she won the President’s Police Medal in 1979. She launched a campaign against drug abuse in 1983 as DGP that evolved as Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation. In May 1993, she was posted to Delhi Prisons as Inspector General (IG) where she introduced several reforms that gained worldwide recognition and fetched Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994. The present book first published in 2002 talks about the detailed actions Dr. Bedi implemented in Tihar jail; overcoming all the obstacles and breaking ill practices, to set up a new disciplined culture for prisoners. The book revolves around the success story of transformation of one of the largest prisons in Asia - ‘Tihar Jail’ into ‘Tihar Aashram’ or ‘Tihar Tapobhoomi’ as one of the inmates called it. It is the result of the meticulous efforts of Dr. Bedi to change unhealthy practices and guide the inmates of the prison towards a right path. The book narrates the scenario in four parts viz. what existed, what evolved, what emerged and what continues to emerge. The first part i.e. what existed gives us a detailed idea about all the malpractices which prevailed in the prison with respect to medical facility, food, water, electricity, security and administration of the prison before Dr. Bedi joined as IG. The overcrowded prison (8000+) with a sanctioned capacity of only 2500 was in a complete mess and followed a vicious circle of poverty, corruption, illiteracy, gang-war etc. The description of poor conditions in the prison frightens the reader about the world behind the tough walls of jail that one could have never ever even imagined ! At the same time the minute details mentioned also satisfy that Dr. Bedi was keen to notice each and every aspect that lacked proper administration. It was very difficult to implement a particular strategy for Tihar jail that was flooded with so many problems on many fronts, without getting into personal egos. Dr. Bedi managed it so well keeping records of her every order and continued follow ups. Both ‘Mobile Petition Box’ and ‘On the rounds’ helped her to have direct communication with prisoners that built trust in their minds about their security and resolving their problems. This formed an important pillar for her work. She proved that how much ever tough the going is, only the tough one gets going! She separated prisoners as per their gender, age, psychology and upbringing; to focus on their problems as per need. She arranged certificate programs of vocational training for prisoners, with a sole selfless vision to give them jobs after they were released. For this, she allowed different educational institutes to enter the prison. IGNOU center was opened inside Tihar prison. ‘No Smoking Zone’ introduced by Dr. Bedi had to face lot of resistance and opposition from all including staff members but her indomitable spirit persisted and she was successful in promoting de-addiction drive. Allowing different communities from society to enter the prison kept the atmosphere of prison lively. Yoga, Meditation and Vipasshana taught in the prison uplifted inmates spiritually and morally. Performance of various arts like dance-drama on festive occasions kept inmates vibrant and brought new levels of culture in prison. The division of labor among inmates by ‘Panchayat System’ gave them the confidence to work with self-governance and helped to build their self-esteem. All types of education programs run in jail took up a library drive and was an eternal journey towards progress for all the inmates. Introduction of mobile dispensaries, alternative medicine practitioners, replacement of out of order medical equipments and generous community support was strategically followed to improve medical facilities in prison. Dr. Bedi also gave a right outlet for the creative instincts of women prisoners that served as a homogenous group. They surged ahead of their male counterparts when given a right opportunity to excel. Facilitated & duly regulated access to media helped restoration of public empathy and goodwill. It was indeed a great pleasure reading this historical transformation. Dr. Bedi did not have a magical wand to do this; in fact her rigorous efforts were opposed many a times. She showed resistance to the decisions of higher authorities when they were not in favor. A classic example is her opposition to the distribution of condoms in jail as ordered by the then Health Minister, as she rightly predicted that it will increase the acts of homosexuality. Dr. Bedi had to also set up a transparent system of prison administration of which many of her own staff members opposed. Overcoming all these obstacles, Dr. Bedi proved that Self-motivation, persistence and perseverance are the key traits of the determined and dedicated people. A reader is ought to get high level of respect and lot of motivation after reading this book. The documentation published in the book gives an insight into the transparency maintained. The lucid language of the book makes it easy to understand even for a common man who does not know much about policing profession. The cover page of the book depicts that Dr. Bedi is thankful to God for her achievements; which reveals her true integrity and spirituality. I was overwhelmed to be the part of Dr. Bedi’s journey in Tihar. This book will always remain close to my heart as it has given me motivation to handle problems more effectively and with focused efforts. Dr. Bedi could turn the castaway people of society into efficient, spiritual workers. She could enforce the sense of liberation within high walls of prison, discipline without fear and devotion without coercion. If walked on the same path, we can definitely turn younger generations into rational thinkers and good human beings.. because ‘Its always possible!!!’ [Author:Dr. Kiran Bedi, Year of Publication: 2006, Published by Himalayan institute Press, Delhi] Ms. Sayali Daptardar Assistant Professor Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology VPM’s B N Bandodkar College of Science, Thane ****** .