This article came in “The Indian Express” in Pune News line, Monday 2nd April 2007.

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Two former convicts on how an honest living coupled with an unwavering faith in God transformed their lives today

Born & brought up in a chawl at Bhavani Peth, Shyam Adagale, a 6 th standard school dropout says he never hesitated to physically injure anyone, whose ways he didn't approve of. “I remember being angry, angry, angry…all the time. And I would take up cudgels on behalf of people, without thinking much of the consequences,” he says. In the process, he got into the company of a notorious local gang. “In 1998, I was accused of murder & imprisoned. But with the Almighty's grace, I was proved innocent & got my freedom back in a little over three years. On my return, my aim was to punish & not spare all those who tortured me, but when I saw my family & friend's love & affection, my thoughts began to change. After getting a permit, I started an alcohol shop.”

His life took a different turn when he went along with his friend to a Blessing & Healing Meeting at S.M Joshi School , Pulgate. “The air was filled with holy hymns in praise of the Lord. Something stirred deep within me. I repented for all the hurt I had inflicted upon others - & myself-over the years. In that one, life-changing moment, I decided to stop all my vices. I stopped selling liquor. To earn my bread & butter, I started doing all kinds of odd jobs. Now I am an auto rickshaw driver with plans to start some small-time business in my shop with is presently rented out to a grocery vendor. Today, even if someone were to give me lakhs of rupees, I wouldn't go back to my former life.”

He is a family man today, & his wife has given birth to a baby girl. That, & his honest livelihood, completes his circle of happiness.

SEEING THE LIGHT

Known as Ranga bhai in his neighbourhood just over a decade ago, Vinod Chandalia who lives in a chawl at Camp, is today as popular as any other resident of the place.

“My past is buried & now I am leading a new life; a far cry from the day I was in the lock-up with blood all over me.” Says Chandalia, who discontinued his studies at the age of nine, after his parent's demise. Recalling his darkest days he states, “Apart from getting addicted to alcohol, I got involved with a local gang & was paid to extract money from people.”

Not that backlash did not come. “MY siblings & wife disowned me,” he says.

One day, a friend dragged him to a prayer meet . “Initially, I did not take it seriously. But somewhere, something began to make an impression, “he says.

The turning point came when he was beaten up by local goons. “We were all put into the lock-up. My wounds were serious. I did not think I would make it. It was at this juncture that repentance finally kicked in. But the few lessons I had imbibed from the prayer meets endured. It was a time to make some tough decisions. I decided to change my ways.”

Aided by prayer & genuine will to turn his life around, Chandalia leads a new life-selling limbu sharbat [lime juice].” I can't believe I have come this far. I have a new friend circle. My sisters call me to their home to conduct prayer services. As for the future, God will show the way.”