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| Sr.Leena Kattookkaran, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh |
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To Sr.Leena Kattookkaran, who was an award-winning teacher and a headmistress in Andhra Pradesh for 23 years, an inner call came just 1 year before retirement: go to the dark cells of jails and spread the gospel of love. And so this teacher of Fathima School in Kazhipet approached authorities to permit her to speak to prisoners.
With a heavy security, the jail authorities let her in. And after conversing with one or two, she was convinced that her choice was right. In order to wipe hatred, revenge and despair from their hearts, she started spending atleast 2 hours everyday with them. It gave an inner joy similar to the first experience to joining the teaching profession, she says.
With the help of Bishop of Warangal, she gathered few like-minded persons and started expanding her work. On speaking to the women prisoners, she could feel their concern for children languishing outside. She started caring for these children by providing them habitation and education.
Speaking to the naxalites was an unforgettable experience, according to her. In the midst of 85 of them spitting venom and hatred, she stood alone. To their demand that she need not talk of Christ, her reply was that it was the only thing she knew. However, as she started speaking, burning embers of their heart started cooling down.
Based on official report of her successful activities, the then IG of Jails, M.V.Krishna Rao extended an invitation to meet her. At this meeting he gave her the permission to visit all the 178 jails of the State.As days passed, more and more people became attracted to her path. There are now 250 volunteers to help her. 500 children born in jails are under their care now. Twice a week they visit the prisoners in addition to responding to immediate requirements.
Despite many difficulties, 72-year-old Sr.Leena is now constructing an institution for freed women prisoners who have nowhere to go.
Courtesy:
Lalitha Iyer, Vanitha, August 1-14, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
