In crime district, police on Art of Living beat

A breather from crime is what the Delhi Police want for the Capital's northeast district. Pranayam and Sudharshan Kriya (breathing exercises) are the weapons of choice. Subhendu Ray writes.

A breather from crime is what the Delhi Police want for the Capital's northeast district. Pranayam and Sudharshan Kriya (breathing exercises) are the weapons of choice.

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Snatching, mugging and other street crimes are reported almost everyday from the district with the highest population density in the country.

On the fringes of society, around 40 people - many with a criminal background - recently participated in a week-long spiritual leadership training programme at Bhajanpura.

The Art of Living conducted the workshop.

"Some are pushed into crime due to their socio-economic conditions. This is a way to give them positive energy," said Sanjay Jain, DCP, northeast Delhi.

The police plan to continue the programme in the district, which has 150 persons with criminal background per lakh population.

"I was a drug addict and was also peddling. De-addiction centres didn't help," said Rashid Mohd, one of the participants.

"I gave up drugs after the workshop."

Strained ties with in-laws pushed Lalita to attempt suicide. The workshop gave her "perspective" and she "wants" to do something for society.

Many Maoists and "stone-throwers" in Jammu and Kashmir, too, returned to mainstream after the workshop, said Sanjay Kumar, CEO, The Art of Living.