In Varanasi Central Jail, prisoners find redemption serving 100 cows

Varanasi: The word “jail” often evokes visions of iron discipline, penance, and unyielding walls. However, within Varanasi Central Jail, a quiet revolution is rewriting that narrative. Here, inmates are scripting a rare testament to humanity, dignity, and redemption — through the gentle act of serving cows.

Nearly a hundred cattle find sanctuary on the prison grounds, tended to with voluntary devotion by the very hands society once condemned. Those serving time now serve life itself, meticulously attending to the cows’ nourishment, hygiene, health, and comfort.

According to jail superintendent Radha Krishna Mishra, prisoners voluntarily manage the gaushala, which yields 280 litres of milk daily and 70-75 kg of ghee monthly. The initiative brings the jail nearly Rs 50 lakh from milk and Rs 10 lakh from ghee each year.

He said the income from the gaushala is improving prisoners’ living conditions. Cow dung is also being used to make compost, promoting self-reliance. The jail administration has built a separate open enclosure for the animals to move around.

To tackle the heat, fans, coolers and tarpaulins have been set up in the gaushala to keep the animals comfortable. Green fodder is being cultivated on three bigha of land to ensure nutritious, fresh feed for the cattle.

Several prisoners are regularly engaged in the work. From morning to evening, they clean the gaushala, cut fodder, milk the cows, bathe the animals, feed them and look after their overall care.

According to the jail administration, the prisoners engaged in this work include those whose conduct is good and who are moving forward in the direction of reform. These also include prisoners serving sentences in various cases, who are being motivated toward a positive lifestyle through labor and service.

This initiative of the Uttar Pradesh Karagaar Vibhag is not limited to animal protection alone, but is also becoming an effective medium for the rehabilitation and reform of prisoners.