Summary:
Chennai, Aug 13 (PTI) "There is much work to be done in the matter of treatment of political prisoners.
They are treated as far as I can see in every way just like ordinary, simple and rigorous convicts.
There is absolutely no difference in the food or the discipline or the tasks set," says C Rajagopalachari, a stalwart of the freedom movement in his "Jail Diary".
Published in 1922, it is an eyewitness account that chronicles the sufferings of countless, unfamiliar men and the pain they endured in prison to attain the common goal of independence.
Popularly known as Rajaji (1879-1972), the iconic leader narrates what he witnessed and experienced himself while lodged in the Vellore Central Prison.
"They had happy faces.
Sesha Reddy was a pious, manly, strong, well-built, dark, sturdy young giant.
He bore marks of the recent assault which the jail officials had made on him." Sesha Reddy, who ground corn into flour and two more prisoners who made wollen rope were among the numerous inmates he makes a mention.
Some inmates also worked in the printing press.
The independent India"s first Indian Governor General and also the last one to occupy that position says that the whole system of jail administration was a scheme for slave labour in its fullest shape.