Behind the bars at Luksar jail, a gym and library for inmates

Noida: Instead of sitting in cramped cells, nearly 2,800 inmates at Luksar jail in Greater Noida can spend their spare time leafing through the pages of over 1,000 books in the in-house library or working out at a gym starting in January. Currently, yoga and physical training sessions are the only workout options for the inmates, many of whom are serving prolonged sentences for serious crimes.Jail superintendent Brijesh Kumar said the gym and library are part of an initiative to offer inmates better opportunities for self-improvement. "These facilities will not only improve physical and mental health but also provide inmates with a chance to stay engaged and disciplined," Kumar said.The library is being set up with the support of Prometheus School in Sector 131, at a cost of Rs5 lakh. Mukesh Sharma, the school's founder and chairperson, said the initiative is a part of their ‘Project Kripa,' which encourages students to contribute to the community."Our Class 12 students visited the jail and noticed the lack of a proper reading space. So, they decided to help by providing furniture and bookshelves for the library," Sharma said. The students have already donated 1,000 books, including fiction and self-help titles. The library will also have a projector that can be used to screen documentaries and films."Prisoners deserve a chance to grow and reflect. Reading can help calm the mind and open up new ways of thinking," he added.Noida resident Shailendra Sharma has donated Rs 5 lakh for the gym which will complement the existing physical activities, such as yoga and PT sessions, Kumar said. A dedicated ambulance service will be provided by a private hospital too.The superintendent added that more initiatives, such as a physiotherapy centre for elderly inmates, were under consideration. "We are working to create an environment where inmates can focus on bettering themselves. Jail should not just be about serving a sentence for a crime, it should also be about reform and giving people a second chance," he said.