Hands up! Bhondsi prison inmates take a lesson in yoga

Time of India

31-05-2025

Gurgaon: More than 3,000 inmates of Bhondsi jail participated in a yoga session on Saturday to promote health and wellness behind bars.
The event, jointly organised by the Haryana prisons and the Ayush department, saw enthusiastic participation from both male and female prisoners.
Of the total 3,045 participants, 2,940 were male inmates, while 105 were female prisoners.
The session, conducted under the guidance of a professional yoga instructor, saw inmates practising various yoga poses and breathing exercises held within the jail premises. The session was attended by the director general of the jail, Mohammad Akil.
"This programme is part of our ongoing efforts to promote holistic wellness among inmates and aid in their rehabilitation process," said DG Jail as he encouraged them to seek good employment opportunities upon release, leave behind a life of crime, and wish for a happy life for themselves and their families.
Dr Brahm Prakash from the Ayush department conducted the yoga session following the International Yoga Day protocol. He stated that regular yoga and pranayama not only keep the body healthy but also improve mental health. The AYUSH Department team included six yoga instructors, comprising two female and four male assistants, who provided yoga training. For security reasons, the yoga practice was conducted at three different locations: women in the women's ward, inmates in Phase 1, and inmates in Phase 2.
Naresh Goyal, superintendent of Bhondsi Jail, said a group yoga session would also be held on International Yoga Day, June 21, in the prison complex. A structured routine is followed at the district jail in Gurugram for the overall development and welfare of the inmates, he added.
A green environment has been created in the jail to ensure oxygen supply and maintain aesthetics.