COIMBATORE: That given the chance and proper guidance , a convicted offender can make a mark in life has been proved over and over again by this unique home that was started by the British government in 1938. Many boys who have spent their days in the 'Observation Home' have gone on to occupy posts in the judiciary, police and other departments.Taken over by the government this year, the institution has come a long way since it was started as 'Reception Home' in September 1938 at Lakshmi Mills junction in Coimbatore city by the British government. It was run by an NGO named Discharged Prisoners Aid Society, founded on June 1, 1921 to reform juvenile offenders and prisoners who have served their sentences.Freedom fighter V O Chidambaram Pillai, scientist G D Naidu and many other stalwarts have been part of the NGO.In 1983, the institution was renamed 'Observation Home'.This was the only home in the state run by an NGO. The government took over after the NGO was not able to generate enough funds to maintain the home."Various vocational courses were conducted for the juvenile offenders to reform them," said C M Manickam, honorary secretary, Discharged Prisoners Aid Society."We brought experts to provide counselling to the inmates. Many boys have made it to the judiciary, police department and other departments. The home generated funds from its members and got donations from the public for the welfare of the juvenile offenders," said Na Manoharan, vice-president, Discharged Prisoners Aid Society.After 2010, a few incidents were reported in the home and this prompted probation officials from the social defence department to request the state government to take over the home.In April 2012, a 17-year-old boy attempted suicide in the home; in August 2012, another 17-year-old committed suicide; in November 2011, 16 boys assaulted the warden of the home and escaped. A murder was reported in May 2008.The home functions on a 68-cent land on Avinashi Road that is estimated to be worth over 68 crore.

Stay updated with all the Coimbatore Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.