Life of an individual who has spent 20 years in jail and wishes to do community service

Rehabilitation after 20 years in prison for committing murder is an arduous journey of self-reflection, redemption, and reintegration. Emerging into a world that has changed drastically, it is a disorienting experience, as one tries to reconcile the person they were with the person they have become. The process is riddled with mixed emotions, ranging from regret and guilt to hope and determination. Rebuilding shattered relationships and earning back the trust of loved ones is a delicate process, while navigating the complexities of a society that views them with skepticism and stigma requires unwavering resilience.

During my all India cycle tour, I had the opportunity to meet Dilip Jadia, a remarkable 50-year-old man who had spent 20 years in prison after being acquitted for committing murder. Inside those prison walls, he dedicated himself to self-improvement, tirelessly pursuing his education and obtaining degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Laws. Upon his release, Dilip turned to prayer and found solace in embracing family life, having married and becoming a father to a 10-month-old baby. However, what truly fascinated me about him was his desire to contribute to society through community service by aspiring to become the Sarpanch of Bargi village. Intrigued by his perspective, I engaged in conversation with Dilip, gaining invaluable insights into the mindset of an individual who has not only transformed his own life but also seeks to make a positive impact in the lives of others through rehabilitation and community service.

Why commit the crime?

Dilip candidly shared that despite having a relatively normal childhood, he carried a deep-seated anger within him, frequently losing his temper during those formative years. Academically, he displayed promise, achieving around 60% marks in both his 10th and 12th standard examinations. Tragically, a pivotal event unfolded during this period when his father, who worked for the forest office, was injured in a minor altercation. Consumed by an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and vengeance, Dilip impulsively took matters into his own hands, resulting in the loss of another person’s life. This impulsive act, committed out of a misguided sense of justice, led to his conviction and a subsequent 20-year prison sentence.

Prison life

Dilip’s journey through the prison system took him to different locations, spending 11 years in Central Jabalpur, followed by shorter stints in Ujjain and Seoni prisons, and ultimately returning to Jabalpur to serve the remainder of his sentence. Throughout these years, Dilip found solace and strength in his faith, turning to prayer as a daily ritual. Every morning, he would devoutly engage in Puja, dedicating as much time as he could to his spiritual practice. When asked about the significance of his prayers, Dilip explained that his belief in God had always been an integral part of his life, and in prison, he simply had more time to devote to it.

Not only did Dilip seek solace in prayer, but he also nurtured a thirst for knowledge. His interest in socio-political events inspired him to pursue higher education while behind bars. Diligently, he completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees. Dilip’s eagerness for further academic achievements led him to enroll in an MBA program, although he couldn’t complete it due to the frequent transfers between prisons. However, he remains determined to fulfill his academic aspirations, as he has now registered as an external student and harbors the desire to complete his MBA.

Dilip not only achieved remarkable success by graduating from jail, but he also garnered prestigious awards for his accomplishments. In 2011, he had the privilege of representing a 17-member team of scouts, wherein he showcased exceptional talent and dedication. During this event, held in Panajim, Goa, Dilip’s outstanding performance led to his team being recognized as the best in the entire nation.

Return from prison

Upon his return from prison in 2020, Dilip faced numerous challenges in reintegrating into society. The constant judgment and disdain from others took a toll on him, reigniting his past anger issues and resulting in multiple brief incarcerations. However, his life took a positive turn when he met his supportive partner, who understood him unconditionally. This newfound relationship enabled Dilip to break free from a life of crime and embrace a more peaceful existence. He proudly shared that just a year ago, he had been financially destitute, but now he is thriving.

When asked about his current profession, Dilip chose to keep it undisclosed. He provided a simplistic analogy, comparing it to smoking: just as others disapprove of smoking but he continues because he enjoys it, he engages in activities that may be deemed “bad” by society but are harmless to others. Despite this discretion, it was evident that Dilip had achieved stability and success in his chosen path.

When questioned about his decision to not pursue a career as an advocate, Dilip expressed his reservations about the legal profession, stating that it heavily relies on deceitful practices. He chose not to involve himself in an industry that thrived on dishonesty. Dilip utilized his time in prison to acquire knowledge and found a genuine interest in education. This newfound passion motivated him to pursue a degree in law (LLB), making it the sole reason for his decision to complete his studies in that field.

During my visit to his house, I noticed a significant number of people gathered nearby, indicating that Dilip was actively building a network or community. He mentioned that his belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category prevented him from running for the sarpanch elections. Nonetheless, he eagerly awaited his opportunity to make a positive impact on the village, using his unique skills and abilities to serve the community to the best of his potential.

The thought process

Dilip’s life experiences appeared to have shaped him into the person he is today, prompting my curiosity about his thought processes and the influence of his past on his character. Intrigued by his journey, I posed several questions to gain insights into his unique perspective.

Justifications

Dilip shared that every action he has taken in his life has been imbued with his genuine character. He emphasized that he has never deceived himself, always remaining true to who he is and adapting his actions to fit the circumstances, guided by the concept of “Samay.” He acknowledged that everything he has achieved thus far is ultimately dependent on God’s will, and he continues to navigate life’s challenges by staying authentic to himself, regardless of the situations that God presents to him.

Validations

In an assertive tone Dilip siad that what ever he has done he has only done for himself and his own happiness all his life.

Complaints

Dilip expressed no complaints in his life at the present moment. He said he derived meaning to his life with his 10 year old daughter around. He said everything is going fine ‘right now’.

Materialism

Dilip said on being given all the money in the world he will simply not accept it and distribute it all to the poor people around. He doesn’t want to earn riches as it brings only sadness into his life.

As I was preparing to depart from Dilip’s place, I took a moment to inquire if he had any message he wanted to share with the world. Without hesitation, he succinctly stated, “Work your ass off, and you can achieve anything in life.” He firmly believed that this straightforward truth held the key to success and fulfillment.

Comment below and let me know if you agree. To read about another individual who had spent 7.5 years of his life in prison for bank robbery, head to this article.