SHILLONG: When the city has erupted in joy and celebrations for Christmas, a group of people is living alone and away from the revelry.
For the sick in hospitals, the patients languishing at mental hospitals and the under-trials in jails, Christmas will be a different affair away from the loved ones.
However, there is always some Good Samaritans in the city who try to bring smiles on the faces of these dejected people.
A spokesperson of Sanker, a private entity providing mental health facility, told The Shillong Times, “Different groups visit the inmates to celebrate Christmas with them. On December 23, there was a Christmas concert on the premises of Sanker. On December 24, there is usually Christmas caroling. On December 20, the patients went caroling on a bus.”
When asked about the inmates’ response, the spokesperson said they get excited when someone calls on them. “On December 17, those who have recovered and their families arranged dinner for the patients and celebrated pre-Christmas,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, an official of the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (MIMHANS) at Lawmali said the churches, social organisations, would often visit the hospital during Christmas.
Sources from the hospital said, “These organisations would distribute gifts, foodstuffs, have fun with inmates by singing together with them. Prayers are also held during such gatherings.”
On December 19, Civil Services Wives Welfare Association visited the hospital to celebrate Christmas with the inmates of MIMHANS.
The organisation brought along a keyboard to entertain the inmates, besides food and other materials.
The inmates cannot be kept in one place for a long time though a few do understand the meaning of celebrations.
On the other hand, prisoners at Shillong District Jail also fervently celebrate the arrival of the festive season along with the jail staff.
A jailer said, “Christmas celebration usually starts from the first week of December and NGOs and church bodies visit the inmates for spiritual guidance or counselling, Holy Mass is held on the jail premises by Catholic priests, skits, even Christmas carols are held inside the jails. However, organisations that visit the jail have to take prior permission from DG (Prisons).”
The jailer informed that the inmates are given gifts, snacks by the organizations who visit them. During the celebration, different board games are played and Christmas feasts are usually held on December 27 or 28.
When asked on the response of the inmates, the jailer said, “The inmates are happy and participate in the Christmas celebrations inside the jail.”
