In a momentous event on October 29, Pune bore witness to a historic book release. The debut work, ‘Travails of an Unknown Jailor,’ authored by none other than the 102-year-old Lachhman Datta Guliani, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. The private celebration, coinciding with the eve of his 102nd birthday, transformed into a jubilant tribute to a life well-lived and a remarkable literary achievement.
Lachhman Datta Guliani’s journey began in 1921, with his birth in Mianwali (now in Pakistan). His educational odyssey commenced with graduation from the renowned Dyal Singh College Lahore. In 1941, he embarked on a career in the office of the Controller of Imports in Delhi, working under Dharma Vira, ICS, who would later assume the role of Governor of Punjab in independent India.
Driven by a profound desire to contribute significantly to his nation, he relinquished his job in pursuit of a career in the Prisons Department of Punjab. In 1943, he began serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Jails, a role he held until his retirement in 1979. Following his retirement, he shifted his focus to philanthropy, overseeing the operations of a charitable hospital in Gurugram.
‘Travails of an Unknown Jailor’ offers readers a poignant narrative of prison life in India, spanning the British colonial era and the post-independence period. The book eloquently captures Guliani’s extraordinary endeavors to improve the living conditions in prisons and his Herculean efforts to combat crime. The narrative places his unwavering commitment to reforming even the most hardened criminals at the forefront, emphasizing the transformation of behaviors and the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
The book launch and birthday celebration brought together Pune’s social elite, with prominent personalities from the city in attendance. The event also saw the participation of Guliani’s family, scattered across India, the United States, and Canada, culminating in a heartwarming convergence of literary accomplishment and personal triumph.
