16 female inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison graduated last Thursday, December 8, from a three-month yoga training organised by India High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa.
The sessions were conducted by yoga teacher Ms. Agnela Patil, founder of the Namaste Yoga Studio. Participants were skillfully led through a series of postures and relaxation techniques.
Patil, speaking at the graduation ceremony, said the training programme, named ‘Inner freedom for the imprisoned,’ presented the opportunity to connect with the graduates and teach them the calming benefits and mindfulness of yoga practice.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, whilst acknowledging the human rights of inmates and duty of the Prison Service to ensure rehabilitation, said the training exposed the women to several programmes that would positively impact their lives.
According to him, yoga could help inmates deal with the restrictive environment, heal from past traumas, recover from addiction and increase emotional intelligence, resulting in positive outcomes from both inmates and society.
Dr. KJ Srinivasa, who introduced the programme last June, was commended by Superintendent of Prisons, Christine George for his support to the Prison Service and told the Service hopes the relationship, goodwill and cooperation continue.
