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Unique experiment to wean juveniles away from violence

Sets of 25 boys each will undergo the three-day training sessions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A line is drawn right through the middle of a circle of a group of 25 pleasant-looking boys between the ages of 15 and 22, and the halves are named A and B.

The boys are then presented a situation: “You enter a hotel stylishly dressed. Suddenly a bearer bumps into you and a full vessel of hot curry is spilled over you.

Those of you who would get angry stand on the ‘A’ side and those who would forgive the bearer thinking it was a mistake stand on ‘B’. ” The boys without exception grouped on the ‘B’ side.

These are no ordinary boys; they are juveniles in conflict with law, serving probation for serious crimes like murder and rape and petty ones like theft and stone- pelting.

They were taking part in the first day of a three-day experimental project, ‘Alternatives to Violence Project’ at the social justice complex here on Sunday.

The project, first implemented in an American jail in 1975 which aims to build self-belief and communication skills, is being tested in the state for the first time.

When the boys were asked why they stood on the side of peace, the answers ranged from the logical to the philosophical. “It is nobody’s fault, such a thing can happen to anyone,” one said.

“The stain on your shirt can be easily washed away but if you react, the stain that anger leaves in the heart of the other person can never be removed,” said another.

Some had great sense of humour. “Even if your shirt is badly soiled, you can get a new one for Rs 1,000. But if you fight and land in court, you will lose more than Rs 10,000,” a participant said.

“Their reactions might have been dishonest but it can also be their true self,” said Biji S. Nair, probationary officer. All the 130 boys serving probation under Biji are participating in the workshop.

Sets of 25 boys each will undergo the three-day training sessions. “More complicated exercises which will bring out their true self will be introduced in the coming days,” said Ranu Titus, who is conducting the workshop.

( Source : dc )
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