The programme was inaugurated by Justice Permod Kohli, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, on Republic Day. Addressing the gathering, Justice Kohli said with the power of patience and positive thoughts, one could come out of any difficult circumstances.

The month-long programme involves the distribution of autobiographies of Mahatma Gandhi amongst the inmates and orientation lectures on Gandhian thought by Yuvsatta volunteers. Weekly shows will be held of films like Richard Attenborough’s internationally acclaimed Gandhi, Lage Raho Munnabhai and V Shantaram’s Do Aankeh Barah Hath.

Towards the end of the programme, an objective “Gandhi Peace Exam” will be held with questions from Gandhi’s autobiography. Awards will be given to the best “students”.

Propagating the reading of Gandhi’s autobiography is a good start towards reforming persons, who might have chosen the wrong path in life due to varying circumstances, Justice Permod Kohli said.

Copies of Gandhi’s autobiography were distributed among the first batch of fifty inmates along with other Gandhian literature.

Parmod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta, who had earlier organised a similar programme at Patiala Central Jail, said their aim is to evoke a sense of regret in the minds of prisoners and they would also be taught about the power of non-violence.