Freed convict couple turns to social service

DHENKANAL: It's never too late to mend your ways, they say. This seems to be true in the case of a couple that was convicted of murder 26 years ago and spent more than the last quarter century in jail. While in prison, they behaved as model inmates, working hard at their assigned duties and setting an example for their fellow prisoners. And when they were released last year for their impeccable conduct, after languishing in jail for 26 years, they took up social service with a vengeance.The duo has dedicated their freedom to the socially excluded.
Padma Charan Behera (53) and his wife Pravati Behera (43), spent 26 years behind bars after being convicted of triple murder at an engineer's house in the Nalco quarters in Dhenkanal. The couple was sentenced for life in the district jail in 1984.
Once imprisoned, the Beheras realized the error of their ways and displayed a changed attitude. Padma Charan, a resident of Boudh district, was nicknamed Pada. He worked hard on files and document management inside the jail. His wife, Pravati, was an experienced cook and tailor. The couple showcased an exemplary attitude and scored high on the behavioural change parameter time and again. As a result of this, they got a premature release order from the state government and were discharged from the district jail on April 27, 2010.
After being released, they decided to put their freedom to good use and to share their vocational skills with others. Prisoners who have been released more often than not face stigma and ostracism from mainstream society. But the Beheras have proved one can change one's social image and reputation through deeds. "With the society accepting us back in its fold, we decided to spend time helping the socially excluded. We expressed our desire to a non-official visitor of Dhenkanal prison, who made arrangement for us to start doing social work in the social security zone of Maharshi Dayananda Service Mission near Govindpur, 4 km from Dhenkanal town," said Pada.
The social security zone comprises an old-age home, orphanage and centre for destitute women, run by the Mission. As many as 100 orphans, 40 old people and 60 destitute women are taking shelter here. Besides, if any accident occurs on NH 55 between the college bypass and the Baldiabandh area, the organisation rescues the victims and gives them shelter. "These socially-excluded people need care and concern, providing which is our duty," Pada said, adding, "I have attended to three accidents in the last few months. I have rescued the injured and made efforts to reduce their pain by taking care of their medical and other needs."
"We share our freedom and skills with the socially-excluded children, old people and destitute women. We help them grow vegetables and flowers they can sell in the market to earn a living," said Pravati.
"My greatest achievement since release was rescuing a mentally-ill beggar women, who was causing public nuisance by abusing others on the street. I accompanied her to the district headquarters hospital and later to our organisation. Since then, from combing her hair to helping her change her clothes, I take care of all her needs. She is comfortable now and spends her time with other inmates of the social security zone. The people living here are fond of my home-cooked food and I love serving others. It's our pleasure to be able to provide daily care to destitute women who are really in need of care and protection," Pravati smiled.
According to Pradeep Sahu, director of Dayananda Service Mission, the duo is working here with a lot of dedication. Their association with the organisation has made the difference. Both are very committed caretakers of the inmates.