Naidu's new passion storms a prison

Laptops. Networks. And industrialisation.

People thought those were the only obsessions of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Not any more. Not since his encounter with Maharashi Mahesh Yogi's transcendental meditation and ''Sidhi'' techniques.

And so, Naidu now sells spiritual solace.

People may not buy his tall talk considering that the state economy is in doldrums. But his cabinet colleagues are falling head over heels to lap up the new mantra. And spreading it far and wide including a jail in the heart of Hyderabad.

As state Home Minister A Madhava Reddy stormed the Chenchalguda central jail with his spiritual message, 100-odd inmates readily decided to shun crime!

''Scientific research the world over has shown that TM brings about a change in criminals's outlook,” the minister said.

Jail Superintendent Sainath Reddy said, ''It’s good to see the inmates, some them with hardcore criminal background, practising TM religiously. I could see a change in their behaviour. And in the jail environment. That’s good both for them and the prison officials.''

Admits a prisoner, Venkateswar Rao: ''I have absolute peace of mind now.”

According to Jim Gerhad, visiting professor of Vedic management, Maharashi Institute of Management, TM makes the mind experience quieter moments as the body slips into a deep state of rest, reducing the stress and strain.

Another visiting professor Jeff Irvine said that TM unleashes inner potential and provides an effective way to pay back the debts these inmates owe to society. “It also prepares them for a successful activity in future, without any criminal tendencies.”