This book relates the unbelievable personal accounts of women and children in India's prison system. Readers who are parents will shudder at what they read in "Shadows in Cages". This sobering book overflows with stories of mothers in prison who, along with their very young children, exist in the most dismal conditions. These prisons are often filthy, fly-infested, severely overcrowded and stiflingly hot. Bharucha paints a grim picture. But it's not without sparks of hope. His coverage of the recently reformed Tihar prison - complete with a well-run nursery in which children learn and play - illustrates a heartening solution other prisons can adopt. He shows readers that the gift of freedom is one that should not be taken for granted. Learn about the positive, marked effect non-governmental agencies have made to the system - jobs, housing, hygiene and education. It concludes with an in-depth interview with Kiran Bedi on her accomplishments and outline for future progress.