Mysuru: Life convict walks to freedom after doing Post Graduation

Mysuru: From politics to jail to farming. That’s what destiny had in store for 47-year-old Jagdish who pursued his BA, and MA in political science through distance education when in Mysuru Central Jail and was released on Thursday. 

The former politician is set to lead a peaceful life as a farmer with his wife, daughter who is pursuing BSc, son who is doing his civil engineering and mom, who waited eagerly for him outside the jail. Jagdish was one among 23 life convicts who were considered for premature release based on good conduct on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day on Thursday. 

“It happened on July 16, 1997. I was 28 and was elected as member of Bogadi gram panchyat in Mysuru. I was booked as an accused in a murder related to political rivalry which happened in Harsha bar in Bogadi and was convicted. I pursued my BA in history, political science and economics in jail. I have written my final year MA exam in political science and I am waiting for the results. I was part of “Thale danda” a play directed by Hulugappa Kattimani of Sankalpa theatre group. I have served as night watchman at the jail for 94 months. I have now realised that it is not right to even be in a place of chaos. I no longer want to be in politics, I wish to stay peacefully by practicing agriculture in a small piece of agricultural land which I own in my native village Hosalli in HD Kote.” Jagadish said. 

For the first time the Central Jail hosted a programme, Roopanthara where psychologists, officers of Devraj Urs Corporation and other experts oriented the outgoing prisoners on the avenues available outside jail for a new life. Inspired by the programme, 44-year-old Nanjunda who was convicted for murder, plans to start a cloth business by taking a bank loan. “I was 26 when I was convicted. I have reformed so much that when I went on parole recently, I was even not ready to see a hen being killed for a non-vegetarian meal at home. I have only studied till class 2. Here I have learnt Hindi, Kannada and even English to a certain extent. I wish to be a good citizen and a good son to my mother,” Nanjunda a native of Keralli, Chamarajnagar said.